The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST provides a district framework that empowers leaders to create and sustain inclusive technology systems that serve all students, including students with disabilities who require assistive technology (AT) or accessible educational materials (AEM). Developed in partnership with multiple districts, the framework includes practices, action steps, and tools to support district leaders in planning and implementing inclusive technology ecosystems. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, this work focuses on identifying how the assistive technologies are acquired and implemented, and how students who require AT and AEM are supported.
The framework focuses on six core areas: leadership, infrastructure, teaching, learning, assessment, and family engagement. For each area, there is a set of practices and action steps. In addition, tools are provided to support implementation, including self-assessments, guides, and a series of professional learning kits. Complementing this work, CITES' Virtual Learning Project includes promising practices and resources for part-time and full-time virtual learning program administrators to help guide their support of students with disabilities.
This content was developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H327T180001. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. Project Officer: Anita Vermeer, M.Ed.
