Empowering ALL Learners: Inclusive and Accessible Practices Across Environments

Sean Arnold has won multiple awards for his work with diverse students with disabilities in New York City’s District 75 certified in a wide variety of educational technology. He has helped develop successful programs at a class and district level to address the major challenges facing instruction in a diverse but highly segregated city including the award-winning NYC Schools Tech program.

Jaimie Fons is the Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant at Macomb Intermediate School District (ISD). Jaimie is a nationally-certified & state-licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has worked for 16 years with learners who face many barriers. In the past year, Jaimie shifted to designing and facilitating professional learning experiences as a consultant. She has co-created & delivered numerous professional development & training sessions to educators and parents on the topics of AT, AAC, Universal Design for Learning, and Accessibility. She has a B.A. and M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles, Ph.D. ATP is an accessibility accomplice whose passionate about ensuring that learning is inclusive and accessible for all learners in a way that makes sense for them. She is an Assistive Technology Specialist for RSU 21 in Kennebunk, Maine where she is grateful to “be paid to think differently” and supports inclusive learning practices through the intentional use of AT, AEM, and UDL. Hillary has written and spoken in various spaces around AT, AEM, and UDL for K-12 and HE. Home is where her heart is in Maine with her husband, sons, pets, and family.

Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter providing practical training to professionals interested in assistive and inclusive technology. In addition, Mike is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ) teaching Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike is the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center and serves on the CAST Accessible Educational Materials Advisory Board. Mike is also the founder of EdcampAccess NJ and co-moderator of the weekly #ATchat Twitter chat.

Amanda McFee serves as Coordinator of Arts Education for District 75, NYCDOE. She is responsible for developing professional development and student programs, creating community partnerships, and supporting family engagement. She specializes in accessible instruction for students with significant needs, believing art gives an opportunity to expand communication and socialization, develop motor skills, and increase problem-solving. Amanda spent her life surrounded by the Arts and Tech, studying voice, visual art, and technology; also developed STEM Programs. She received a BFA in Graphic Design, with advanced studies in Web Design and Ceramics. She also holds an MS Ed in Special Education.

Melissa Stark is a Special Education & Ed Tech Model Teacher at P94M in New York City’s Department of Education, which is part of District 75. District 75 serves students with significant disabilities. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, as well an Ambassador for Book Creator, Tobii Dynavox, Kahoot! and FlipGrid Student Voice. She is also an Apple Teacher and is Google Certified Level 1 . Melissa has presented at ISTE, Closing the Gap, EdxEdNYC and New York City’s Department of Education Technology Summits focusing on making curriculum more accessible to all.

I am a high school social studies teacher and digital peer coach from Minnesota. I have a doctorate in educational leadership with a specialization in educational technology.