Lindsay Jones: Breaking educational barriers with universal design

What if we stopped trying to 'fix' students and instead fixed our educational system? As CEO of CAST, (the Center for Applied Special Technology) Lindsay Jones helps schools utilize Universal Design for Learning to create inclusive education systems for all students. Starting with the premise that "people aren't broken," Lindsay guides us through CAST's journey from its 1984 founding (when Harvard neuroscientists were first bringing personal computers into education) to today's AI revolution. She shares how their early work with students with significant disabilities evolved into the universal design for learning framework now implemented worldwide. The parallels between the early Internet era and today's AI landscape provide valuable perspective. Just as educators once worried about students accessing information online, today's concerns about AI reveal our need to normalize new technology while thoughtfully addressing its implications. Lindsay argues that the current moment presents a unique opportunity to build accessibility into AI educational tools from the ground up, rather than expensive retrofitting later. Lindsay also emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human educators – while AI offers powerful support, the "magic moments" when teachers connect with students and transform their learning cannot be automated. Universal design isn't about creating 30 different lesson plans for 30 different brains, it's about removing barriers so all students can access learning in ways that work for them. For parents seeking to advocate for better design, educators looking to integrate AI thoughtfully, or technologists aiming to create truly accessible tools, this episode offers both practical wisdom and bold vision for education's future. Learn more about CAST:CAST.orglinkedin.com/company/castorg/aiEDU: The AI Education Project aiEDU.org linkedin.com/company/aiedu/

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