Washington, D.C. will host the world’s leading minds in inclusive education for UDL-Con: International 2025, a two-day global summit advancing Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Organized by CAST, the event takes place July 22–23 at the Capital Hilton and online, bringing together over 850 in-person and virtual attendees for a deep dive into inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning for all.
With a theme of “Innovating for Inclusive Education,” this year’s UDL-Con promises to bring hands-on learning, global networking, and cutting-edge strategies. The program features keynotes from renowned speakers including Cathleen Beachboard, Carol Allen, Andratesha Fritzgerald, and Luis Pérez, who will share new perspectives on equity, engagement, and instructional transformation.
A Hub for Actionable Learning and Global Dialogue
Attendees – ranging from K-12 educators and higher ed faculty to district leaders, instructional designers, and education technology innovators – will gain tools to apply UDL at scale. The agenda includes:
- International workshops and panels exploring UDL across contexts and continents
- Interactive sessions designed to connect theory with practice in real-world classrooms and learning environments
- Networking opportunities with changemakers from schools, universities, and organizations around the world
- Explorations of UDL’s intersections with other major educational frameworks and policies
Breakfast, lunch, and full access to livestreams and recordings until January 2026 are included for both in-person and virtual attendees, ensuring sustained professional growth beyond the conference dates.
The UDL Awards: Celebrating Change Agents in Education
The event also hosts the second annual UDL Awards, honoring individuals whose work pushes the boundaries of inclusive learning. Past recipients include Kavita Rao, Dara Ryder, and Loui Lord Nelson – each recognized for their bold contributions to accessibility and learner empowerment. The 2025 ceremony continues this tradition of community-driven recognition.
Why It Matters
As global education systems grapple with inequities, variability, and shifting learner needs, UDL-Con offers a timely blueprint for transformation. By centering learner diversity – not as an exception but as the foundation – UDL empowers educators to build systems where every student thrives.
Participants will leave the conference prepared to:
- Integrate UDL into existing initiatives and policies
- Rethink outdated teaching assumptions
- Lead change with evidence-backed practices
- Create learning environments where barriers are removed before they appear
How to Register for UDL-Con 2025?
Visit the official UDL-Con 2025 site to register, explore the Agenda at a Glance, or view the full session schedule.
