Member Detail: CAST

CAST (www.cast.org) is a nonprofit research and development organization based in the United States that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning.

Founded in 1984 as the Center for Applied Special Technology, CAST has earned international recognition for its innovative contributions to educational products, classroom practices, and policies. Its staff includes specialists in education research and policy, neuropsychology, clinical/school psychology, technology, engineering, curriculum development, preK-postsecondary professional development, and more.

On a national level, CAST is in the forefront of developing systems and supports to ensure that students with print disabilities receive instructional materials in a timely manner. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, CAST leads or has led seven national centers and national consortia related to accessible instructional materials including: the National Center for Accessing the General Curriculum (1998-2003); the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) Development Center (2004-2009); the NIMAS Technical Assistance Center (2004-2009); the Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Consortium with 15 state departments of education (2007-2010); the NIMAS Center (2009-2014); and the National Accessible Instructional Materials Center (2009-2014).