What do you think when you encounter these terms?
• Accessibility
• Universal Design
• Inclusion
Learn how L&D Professionals can create learning experiences accessible to all and where everyone belongs.
Accessibility and inclusivity is a paramount consideration in any learning environment design. From instruction to physical spaces, no one should be left out.
At AIDC25, we explore modern approaches to accessibility and inclusivity in the skilled design of learning environments that meet social, emotional, cultural, and academic needs of all learners. Join us to gain knowledge from other designers who are committed to building better spaces that are accessible and inclusive. AIDC25's expert presenters will give you their know-how to design, create and build accessible, inclusive spaces for all learners.
Learn how to integrate accessibility and inclusivity in to the learning experiences you create - register today to learn more!
Antoinette Norris Woodson is an instructional designer with 20+ years of experience creating inclusive, scenario-based microlearning for corporate, healthcare, and workforce audiences. She integrates AI to enhance accessibility and scale, delivering learner-centered solutions that support diverse teams and high-stakes compliance needs.
Michelle Mata is a Senior Leadership & Team Development Specialist at Insight, with a background in HR and training across healthcare, finance, education, and government. She holds master’s degrees in education and business, and her work has contributed to multiple workplace awards for customer service and disability inclusion.
Ashley Cooks is an award-winning instructional designer and CEO of EmpowerHER Strategies LLC, specializing in inclusive, accessible, and equity-centered learning. With over a decade of experience, she helps organizations create culturally responsive training using UDL, WCAG, and culturally intelligent frameworks to make learning more human-centered and impactful.
Cara North is an award-winning learning experience leader and VP of Product Management at JPMorgan Chase. She specializes in accessible, learner-centered design and is the founder of The Learning Camel, author of Learning Experience Design Essentials, and an adjunct instructor at Boise State University.
Christy Tucker is a learning experience design consultant with 20+ years of experience. She specializes in scenario-based learning to promote real-world skill transfer. Christy has developed training for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and universities, and shares insights through her long-running blog and frequent presentations at instructional design conferences.
Sarah Syed is a Senior Learning Advisor at Allstate with 7 years in L&D. With a background in higher education and HR consulting, she brings expertise in philosophy, sociology, and career readiness. She focuses on inclusive, learner-centered design and explores the intersection of classical educational theory and modern instructional design.
Ericka Tinsley is a certified instructional designer, Apple Learning Coach, and award-winning educator with 20+ years of experience teaching braille and assistive technology to visually impaired students. She’s also an orientation and mobility specialist, former AER board member, and experienced accessibility coach for educators, with degrees from FAMU, FSU, and NCCU.
Jacob Wood is a learning designer and owner of Accessible Games with 20+ years of experience in assistive technology. An NVDA Certified Expert and screen reader user, he brings firsthand insight to accessibility in learning. His practical, experience-driven approach helps teams create truly inclusive and effective learning experiences.
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Dr. Chris Smith is an experienced educator and educational technologist, currently working as an Instructional Designer for North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS). He co-chairs the NCTIES Board of Directors' Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and has been nationally recognized for his expertise in accessibility, leading the development of NCVPS's comprehensive accessibility plan. Through innovative learning solutions, he has significantly enhanced educational experiences for thousands of students in North Carolina, including those with IEPs.
Maureen Boland is a seasoned learning professional with extensive expertise in instructional design, accessibility, and educational technology.
Hey! My name is Michelle Engstrom and I am a graphic designer who specializes in using design principles to improve communication for users of all abilities. My unique background of graphic design legal and instructional design experience has led me to become the SME for accessible documents in my agency. I'm sure my neurodivergent creativity had something to do with it also!
Dubbed the Geek Whisperer, Jennifer Yaros transforms behavior through engaging learning strategies. With over 20 years of consulting experience, she has delivered impactful training for mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies. Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and the author of "Conditioning Your Mind To Fuel Creativity."
Toddi Norum has over 15 years of experience in Learning and Development, focusing on innovative technologies and content development, and currently consults for a medical device company and a state health agency. Living in Southern New Hampshire, she fosters dogs and is pursuing a Master's in Community Development to launch a non-profit for training equity.
Deborah Harris is a dynamic and passionate facilitator, renowned for her innovative approach to learning. As the visionary founder of iCU Learning, established in 2023, she leverages over 16 years of diverse experience in Learning and Development. Deborah's unwavering dedication to creating holistic, intentional, and immersive learning environments ensures that every individual feels understood, seen, and valued.
Connie Malamed, an award-winning consultant, author, and speaker in online learning and visual communication, helps people develop instructional design skills through her website, podcast, books, and consulting work.
Jared Speight is an instructional design specialist at Mayo Clinic and a certified Trusted Tester for Section 508 conformance standards. With sixteen years of experience in various learning and development roles he strives to ensure that his content is accessible to all learners.
Donna is an AuDHD Instructional Designer and Education Consultant specializing in Diversity and Inclusion Digital Accessibility and Certification Design. With over 30 years of teaching experience and 10 years in Instructional Design she works with clients to create accessible and effective training solutions.
Dr. Nicole L'Etoile, an expert in transitioning education from traditional to online formats, specializes in implementing learning management systems, adapting content for digital delivery, and creating accessible, engaging virtual learning experiences.
Michelle King, an accomplished Learning & Development and DEIB leader with over 15 years of experience and extensive academic credentials, has driven impactful learning strategies at major companies and founded Own Your Career LLC, where she provides personalized coaching and facilitates training programs focused on leadership development and career growth.
Dr. Tejaswini Mulayis a seasoned learning experience professional with over 12 years of expertise leads inclusive, accessible learning initiatives and provides ICF-certified coaching, currently heading learning and development at a global Fintech company.
Cyndi, with over 20 years in Learning and Development, has significantly impacted operating disciplines and emphasizes top-tier customer service. She expertly bridges the gap between corporate goals and customer needs, leveraging her understanding of brand differentiation and earning prestigious awards for her organizations.
Daphne, with a decade of experience teaching Spanish at various school levels, has an extensive background in Spanish language and culture, including a BA from Lawrence University and a Masters from Lehman College. Her passion has taken her on adventures across Central and South America, where she has engaged in teaching, volunteering, and immersing herself in local cultures.
Dawn Metcalf, a seasoned presenter and designer, specializes in creating relatable educational content with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). As a multi-published author and Harvard graduate, she leverages stories and her expertise in hermeneutics to foster meaningful change and promote inclusivity.
Jessica Michaels is an award-winning speaker, former stand-up comic, and management training expert. Despite her success, every victory she had for years was inexplicably followed by a bigger failure. In her 30s, she discovered she was autistic and ADHD. After working to find her own path as a neurodivergent professional, Jessica began using her experience to educate, advocate, and advise on neurodiversity in business. With humor and directness, she shows her audiences how every employee benefits from a neuroinclusive environment. She also works with neurodivergent professionals or those with non-traditional leadership characteristics to enable them to thrive in leadership positions.
Dustin Giannelli is the CEO & Founder of HearsDustin LLC based in Boston, MA. As a DEIA public speaker who happens to be profoundly deaf, Dustin shares his lived experiences to help bring more awareness to the importance of DEI best practices, accessibility and communication.
Mary Fashik (she/her) is a transnational, transracial adoptee, born in Lebanon. She is the founder of the Disability Justice movement, Upgrade Accessibility. She is also a Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame Inductee and award-winning podcaster.
My name is Puneet Singh Singhal from New Delhi, India. I am a person with an undiagnosed learning disability and stammering. I see my life as the intersection of poverty, domestic violence, and multiple non-visible disabilities. I am a disability activist advocating for a more inclusive and accessible society for people with visible, and non-visible disabilities. I founded a non-profit called ssstart, working towards normalizing stuttering and other speech disabilities. I am associated with NASA, Billion Strong, Diversability Leadership Collected and Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities (GNYPWD)
Elizabeth Beales serves as Chief Executive Officer of Elsie, a virtual learning solutions company that provides best-in-class production and facilitation delivery experiences for global organizations. Since 2015, Elsie has reached more than 680,000 learners through 45,000+ programs in 27 different languages. She fiercely believes that varied life experiences and perspectives contribute to better ideas and a healthier work environment.
Staci Stroeing is an expert in the learning and development field with a robust background in customer service, computer programming, and all aspects of learning and development. With a passion for learning and a natural talent for technology, Staci has continuously pushed the boundaries of what virtual delivery can accomplish.
Cynthia is a seasoned, results-oriented leader with over 15 years of experience in diverse HR roles, specializing in equity, diversity, inclusion, and organizational transformation, currently serving as Director, Inclusion and Equity at Laurentian Bank. Actively contributing to her community, she has advanced degrees in Industrial Relations, a strong commitment to continued education, and a history of volunteer work, notably serving on the board of a youth-focused organization in Montreal.
Yvonne Urra-Bazain is an E-Learning specialist, utilizing her expansive inclusive design expertise, experience in medical and sales sectors, a decade of K-6 teaching, and a blend of heutagogy, marketing, and visual design to foster professional advancement.
Deborah (pronounced Duh-BOR-uh) is a 15-year L&D professional with expertise in learning strategy, design, and delivery. She serves as the Founder and Chief Learning Strategist for iCU Learning; a learning, education, and development (LEAD) consultant agency. Her training catalog includes (but is not limited to): Situational Leadership®, Imposter Syndrome, DEI, and Receiving Feedback. Deborah is very dedicated to advocating and creating learning content for historically underrepresented groups.
Rebecca Prejean is a seasoned Learning Experience Designer with extensive expertise in instructional design, content management, and learning program development across diverse industries.
Leah Chang, a professional educator since 2003 and founder of Leah Chang Learning Inc. in 2019, is an experienced instructional designer and learning technologist who, along with her talented team, specializes in developing comprehensive curriculum and delivering high-quality learning experiences across various sectors.
Susi Miller is an industry-leading expert on accessible learning design and the founder and director of eLaHub. The author of Designing Accessible Learning Content (Kogan Page, 2021), Susi has over 30 years Learning & Development experience in Higher Education and the public, private and third sectors. She is a skilled instructional designer and online course developer and a passionate advocate for digital accessibility. Her accessible learning content has been shortlisted for the Learning Technologies Awards.
Chuck has worked in the field of Information Technologies his entire career. He has experience in banking, convenience, government and real estate. His experience is diversified across multiple databases and programming languages. He became passionate for Accessibility in the last decade.Chuck has been working for Oracle for 23 years, the most recent 7 of those years advancing Accessibility. He is active in the W3C, and has been co-chair for the Accessibility Guidelines Working Group of the W3C for 2 and a half years.
Star Peterson is a freelance instructional designer and diversity trainer. They provide training and consultation on a variety of EDI topics. These include neurodiversity, sensory processing disorders, and issues specific to the LGBTQIA+ community. Star strives to make workplaces more accommodating for people with disabilities and for members of the queer community.
Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, M.Ed., CPTD® is Chief Learning Consultant of Klapperich International Training Associates (KITA) LLC, a talent development consulting firm that specializes in employee training & development, diversity & inclusion initiatives, performance consulting, and health & safety training.
Bela, a neurodivergent, queer, visually and physically disabled Latine woman, is a trailblazing DEIA leader and the founder of IntuiBel, advocating tirelessly for underrepresented groups. As an instructional designer, inclusive solution specialist, and DEIA practitioner, she influences the Learning and Development space by providing consultative services, teaching courses, and building community support systems.
Alan Natachu is a Learning Technology Partner at Exact Sciences. He spent a decade in the higher education space before making the switch to corporate L&D in 2019. He is a presentation geek who loves emerging L&D technologies and is passionate for making all his content accessible.
Chris Paxton McMillin, President of D3 Training Solutions, has over 30 years’ experience in training & development. For the last 20 years, her focus has been on distance learning, designing, developing and delivering courses, “the 3 D’s of” D3 Training Solutions.
Kayleen Holt is a learning experience design consultant and the founder of Scissortail Creative Services. As a late-identified autistic woman with other types of neurodivergence and hidden disabilities, and a proud LGBTQ+ mama bear, Kayleen is a passionate ambassador for inclusion and is the author of the Inclusive Learning Pledge.
Dr. Belo Miguel Cipriani is a digital inclusion strategist whose books and articles have been recognized nationally and internationally for their contributions to the technology, diversity, and disability rights fields.
Amy Morrisey is the president of Artisan E-Learning, a custom e-learning development company. As president, she stays focused on maintaining the high standards their clients have grown to expect.
Diane Elkins is the co-owner of Artisan E-Learning, a custom e-learning development company and E-Learning Uncovered, where she helps people build courses they’re proud of.
Doug Harriman has spent the past decade as an instructional, web, and media designer in the field of online, higher education. He has worked with some of the top accessibility experts in the University of California system to develop electronic accessibility strategies and outreach programs. His goal is to increase electronic accessibility awareness and promote universal design.
Judy Katz is an autistic speaker, trainer, and instructional designer with decades of experience creating accessible, inclusive learning solutions in leadership, DEI, and communication. She helps organizations better understand and support neurodivergent employees to foster more effective, inclusive workplaces.
Karen Hyder, online event producer and speaker coach at Kaleidoscope Training and Consulting, has been teaching about technology since 1991, when she delivered instructor-led software courses for Logical Operations. Currently, Karen provides coaching and production support for a series of online courses at Hearing First, a not-for-profit that serves audiology professionals earning CEUs.
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