Blog

From Dr. Stephanie Cawthon

Featured Appearances

An infographic titled "The 8 Student-Centric Design Principles" introduces eight principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Arranged in a two-row grid, the principles are Fair, Secure and Robust, Helpful, Explainable, Transparent, Agency, Growth Mindset, and Kind, each paired with a simple purple icon representing its concept. The infographic features a light gray background with dark purple text and coral accent lines. A link to the full article on the Smarter Balanced website appears in the bottom left, while a QR code labeled "Stay in Conversation" is positioned in the bottom right.
CCSSO June 2026 Collaborative MeetingKeynote Recap

CCSSO June 2026 Collaborative Meeting

At the CCSSO June 2026 Collaborative Meeting, I focused on a question that more organizations are beginning to ask: how do we evaluate AI responsibly before integrating it into accessibility?…
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Three women in a pose in front of hotel conference room window, all smiling and wearing business conference dresses in a range of colors and patterns. Two are wearing conference badges that say NCSA 2026.
NCSA 2026Keynote Recap

NCSA 2026

At the National Conference on Student Assessment (NCSA) 2026, I focused on a question that has important implications for students, educators, and assessment developers alike: do our tests measure how…
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IMPACTKeynote Recap

IMPACT

Designing Systems That Work for Everyone At IMPACT 2026, I focused on a question that sits at the center of much of my work: what does it take to design…
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The Faculty Accessibility Factor
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The Faculty Accessibility FactorAnnouncement

The Faculty Accessibility Factor

When we talk about student success in higher education, we often focus on programs, services, and accommodations. Those things matter. But after more than 20 years of teaching, I have…
August 10, 2026 Read More
The Latest: Traveling “Beyond the Wall”
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The Latest: Traveling “Beyond the Wall”Blog

The Latest: Traveling “Beyond the Wall”

Welcome to the July issue of The Latest! This month we're sharing insights on how to create authentic opportunities for disabled people in school, work, and in the community. Iceland.…
July 14, 2026 Read More
The Latest: Welcoming Summer
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The Latest: Welcoming SummerBlog

The Latest: Welcoming Summer

Welcome to the June issue of The Latest! This month we're reflecting on the transition into summer, the value of stepping away to recharge, and sharing what's ahead, including new…
June 22, 2026 Read More
Spotlight on Dr. Desirée Lama!
Spotlight on Dr. Desirée Lama!Announcement

Spotlight on Dr. Desirée Lama!

Desirée Lama, a young latina woman standing on a brick pathway lined with trees. She is wearing a burnt orange velvet mortar board, a doctoral hood, and a bright red…
April 20, 2026 Read More
The Latest: Roots and Wings
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The Latest: Roots and WingsBlog

The Latest: Roots and Wings

Welcome to the April issue of The Latest! Building from last month’s reflections on mentorship, we’re exploring what it means to help students grow, lead, and step confidently into their…
April 15, 2026 Read More
The Latest: Mentorship in Unexpected Moments
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The Latest: Mentorship in Unexpected MomentsBlog

The Latest: Mentorship in Unexpected Moments

Welcome to the March issue of The Latest! Where we’re reflecting on mentorship, meaningful collaboration, and the unexpected moments that shape how we lead and support others. “You were my…
March 17, 2026 Read More
Spotlight on Sheila Xu First in Flight!
Minimalist line-art illustration of Sheila Xu standing confidently with her arms crossed in front of an aircraft. The image uses thin white outlines against a deep purple background. Sheila wears sunglasses and a flight suit with aviation and space-themed patches on the sleeves and torso. Behind her, part of the aircraft and large partial lettering reading “ro G” are visible, referencing a zero-gravity flight. The overall style is clean, modern, and monochromatic with a futuristic feel.
Spotlight on Sheila Xu First in Flight!Announcement

Spotlight on Sheila Xu First in Flight!

Asian woman in a flight suit with flags and patches wearing sunglasses and standing in a power pose in front of a zero gravity plane. Access to infinity, and beyond!…
March 10, 2026 Read More
The Latest: The Nuance of Disabled Leadership
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The Latest: The Nuance of Disabled LeadershipBlog

The Latest: The Nuance of Disabled Leadership

Welcome to the February issue of The Latest!  Where we’re focused on what it takes to be a leader in disability spaces. The Nuance of Disabled Leadership “You were hired…
February 26, 2026 Read More
The Latest: Uncovering My Accessibility WHY
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The Latest: Uncovering My Accessibility WHYBlog

The Latest: Uncovering My Accessibility WHY

Welcome to the January issue of The Latest!  Where we’re focused on the small moments that bring purpose and clarity. Unexpected Comparisons If any of you have gone to see the…
January 16, 2026 Read More
The Latest: Taking Steps and Making Strides
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The Latest: Taking Steps and Making StridesBlog

The Latest: Taking Steps and Making Strides

Welcome to the December issue of The Latest! Where we’re staying focused on people and purpose as we close out 2025. Rest in Peace Alice Wong Alice Wong died on…
December 15, 2025 Read More
Belonging Is the Secret to Success
A purple line-art illustration shows a classroom scene where a woman stands at the front, gesturing toward a projector screen displaying “36%” and the words “Don’t Disclose Their Disability to Anybody on Campus.” Three attendees sit at desks, facing the presenter and taking notes. The image emphasizes learning and awareness about disability disclosure.
Belonging Is the Secret to SuccessBlogEvent

Belonging Is the Secret to Success

Some trips leave you thinking long after you’re home. My visit to The Ohio State University was one of those moments. I went to share a keynote called The Accessibility…
November 18, 2025 Read More
The Latest: What Students Teach Us
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The Latest: What Students Teach UsBlogEvent

The Latest: What Students Teach Us

Welcome to the November issue of The Latest! Where we’re finding focus in the middle of change. I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to learn from students.…
November 5, 2025 Read More
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