An Interview with David Rose UDL Research Award 2026 Recipient, Sean Smith

What does it take to advance Universal Design for Learning while ensuring research leads to meaningful change in classrooms? In this episode, Bryan Dean sits down with Sean Smith, recipient of the 2026 David Rose UDL Research Award, to reflect on more than two decades of leadership, innovation, and impact in the UDL field.  

Sean shares key moments from his professional journey, discusses how projects like WRITE, WritingClassroom.org, and VOISS connect research to classroom practice, and explores the opportunities and challenges AI presents for learners with disabilities and learner variability. He also looks ahead to the future of UDL, offers advice for emerging leaders, and reflects on what receiving the David Rose UDL Research Award means to him.  

Whether you're an educator, researcher, instructional designer, or accessibility advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of inclusive teaching and learning.

Transcript

Resources:

• VOISS | VOISS Advisor-  
  • VOISS is a virtual reality social learning platform that helps students build and apply social skills through 140 interactive scenarios spanning 10 social skill domains, with built-in supports for educators and families. 
• AI Score | Life Span Institute 
  • AI SCORE is an AI-powered writing assessment tool that instantly evaluates student writing for content, organization, and style, providing personalized feedback to support stronger written expression.  
• Writing Classroom | Writing stRategies for Instructional Technology in Education 
  • WRITE is a research-based educational technology initiative that helps educators support struggling writers by translating evidence-based writing interventions into practical classroom tools and strategies. 

What is The Learning Experience?

Each episode brings you inspiring conversations with educators, students, families, and inclusive education leaders who share practical tips, proven strategies, and real-world examples of how to break down barriers and create equitable learning experiences for everyone. You’ll also gain insight into the power of partnerships and collaboration in building systems with UDL that deliver accessible educational materials, innovative technologies, and inclusive teaching practices.

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