When most people hear “ergonomics,” they often think of office chairs and adjustable desks, but in education, it’s so much more. In this episode, Kelli and Luis sit down with an occupational therapist, Elisa Wern, who supports students with complex communication and physical needs to explore how ergonomics and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) intersect.

From posture, positioning, and classroom setup to how learners physically access assistive technology, this conversation dives into the small ergonomic changes that make a big impact on participation, comfort, and engagement for all learners. You’ll walk away with practical, UDL-aligned tips you can implement tomorrow to make your learning space work better for every body.

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Resources:

• Elisa Wern: elisa@atotcc.com
• Infographic Ergonomics 101
• Backpack Awareness

In this episode, hosts Kelli and Luis sit down with accessibility expert David Berman to explore what it truly means to have “the power to include everyone.” Together, they unpack how accessibility can and should be designed without tradeoffs, making inclusion an intentional part of every system and space. David breaks down the upcoming ADA Title II updates and what they mean for schools and public institutions, while also shining light on global accessibility shifts happening in Europe and beyond.

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Resources:

• David Berman’s article on Accessible Online Meetings
• David Berman’s GAAD 2025 keynote presentation for higher education (featuring the upcoming ADA deadlines named in the Title II Final Rule)
• David Berman’s crowdsourced, curated eAccessibility Library
• David’s Do Good Design book, published in 7 languages

In this conversation, we sat down with Alexis Reid, an educational therapist, executive function expert, and longtime member of the UDL family. Alexis shares how she first connected with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and why it continues to shape her work and advocacy. Together, we unpack what executive functioning really means, why it matters across the lifespan, and how educators and caregivers can nurture these skills in practical ways.

Alexis also reflects on her recent CAST book, offering 2–3 key takeaways that listeners can put into practice right away. We then explore the exciting and sometimes complicated role of AI in supporting executive functioning, and how it can either empower or create barriers for learners.
We close with a hopeful look ahead, considering what the future of learning could hold when UDL, executive functioning, and technology come together to dismantle barriers and create more inclusive environments for all learners.

Transcript

Resources:

• Reid Connect
• Reid Connect-ED Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Supporting Student Executive Functions: Insights & Strategies for Educators by CAST Publishing
• @RafaTheVizsla