Universal Design as the Foundation of AI Literacy: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow

In response to August 2025 guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, workforce programs are now being encouraged to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) skill-building into services for both youth and adults. This is more than a technical adjustment. It represents a shift toward preparing job seekers for a labor market where AI is deeply embedded across industries. The challenge now is to ensure that AI literacy training is accessible and practical across the workforce system to support opportunity for all.

For American Job Centers (AJCs), workforce development boards, and partner agencies, this means not only adopting AI tools but also making sure they are designed to serve all job seekers, including Americans with disabilities. This webinar will explore how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can support the adoption of AI to expand access to opportunity, not limit it. 

During this webinar, participants will:

• Learn how UDL can guide the design of AI-enabled workforce and career education programs. 

• Explore how Carroll Technology & Innovation Council’s AI Studio demonstrates practical strategies for making AI literacy training broadly accessible and workforce aligned. 

• Gain actionable steps and resources to integrate AI tools and training into programs funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), supporting both system modernization and participant success. 

Who should attend

This webinar is ideal for AJC staff, workforce development professionals, state and local workforce development boards, WIOA partners, and disability employment service providers. It will also benefit program administrators and policymakers focused on access and service modernization within the workforce system.

Featured speakers

• Sarah Loizeaux (Moderator), LEAD Center, National Disability Institute (NDI) 

• Ben Cheriyan, Policy Advisor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor

• Sara Hastings, Unit Chief, Division of Youth Services, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration 

• Luis Perez, Senior Director of Disability and Accessibility, CAST, Inc. 

• Kelly Dorsey, Senior Director Support Professional Penn-Mar Human Services  

• Jack Bayne, Program and Instruction Coordinator, Carroll Technology & Innovation Council

Register for the January 22 Webinar!

The LEAD Center is committed to ensuring that all attendees can participate fully in its webinars. Live CART and ASL interpreting services will be provided for this webinar. If you require additional accommodations, please email Courtney Williams at cwilliams@ndi-inc.org at least seven days before the event.

Registration Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PPCB-mXbSVCyEWIXzFnJjw