Keynotes

Each year, OCALICON features keynote speakers whose research and real life experiences reaffirm our work, challenge our conventions, and inspire us to think differently about what is possible. These internationally recognized leaders help jump start our hearts and minds with thought-provoking, intriguing, and stimulating content. 

OCALICONLINE 2024 brings together an all-star line-up of keynotes. All of them are trailblazers, advocates, authors, and world-changers in their own right, and we are honored to have them join us.

Interested in seeing a list of previous keynotes? Skim the list and see how many names you recognize!

Opening Keynote

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm EST

Transforming Education with AI: Access for All Learners

In an era where technology is reshaping the educational landscape, this keynote panel spotlights how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform learning for all students, including those with disabilities. Explore Ohio's new AI toolkit, launched in collaboration with InnovateOhio and aiEDU. This session highlights how AI can be leveraged to create more inclusive, accessible learning environments and where to get started to learn more. Policy frameworks, AI resources for educators and parents, and practical strategies to ensure that AI benefits every student, regardless of ability will be discussed.

Alex Kotran, CEO of The AI Education Project (aiEDU), founded aiEDU in 2019 after discovering his mother's school district lacked AI courses. Kotran's career began in community organizing, including work on Obama's 2012 campaign. As a presidential appointee at HHS, he managed communications for Open Enrollment and the 2014 Ebola response. A second-generation immigrant from Akron, Ohio, he champions inclusive AI education to increase societal understanding of artificial intelligence. His work spans community organizing, government service, AI ethics, and education, reflecting his commitment to bridging technology and society.

Dwight Crum is Deputy Director of InnovateOhio, under the leadership of Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. InnovateOhio’s mission is to use technology to improve the way we serve our customers, the people of Ohio. Its work includes modernizing Ohio’s BMV and advancing initiatives to help prepare students for success in an AI world. Crum has worked at Ohio’s Statehouse for more than 25 years.

Stacy Springer, MS, OTR/L, ATP has over 20 years experience as a special educator, occupational therapist and assistive technology specialist. Currently, as the Program Director of the AT&AEM Center at OCALI, she leads initiatives that enhance access to assistive technologies and accessible educational materials across Ohio and beyond. Her career includes leadership in multiple school districts, state-level roles, university instruction, and consultation across five states, along with contributions to international projects and published work on disability adaptations. Springer is a member of the QIAT Leadership team.

Closing Keynote

Friday, November 22, 2024 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm EST

Artificial Intelligence Supporting All Learners

Explore artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and discuss the usage in education. This session provides a guide for individuals in making informed decisions about incorporating AI in educational settings. By presenting a balanced discussion of the benefits and challenges, we aim to guide educators in making informed, ethically sound decisions about the integration of AI technologies into various aspects of the K-12 setting.

Eleazar "Trey" Vasquez III, director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute and professor of exceptional student education at the University of Central Florida, has had research continuously funded since 2008 with the goal to understand how K-12 and postsecondary students with and without disabilities can learn STEM content using innovative technologies through interdisciplinary collaborations, lean startup models, and UDL framework. He holds joint appointment with the Learning Science Cluster at UCF, affiliate faculty status with Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy, and SREAL synthetic reality lab. He serves on executive boards for CAST, UDL-IRN, and as a technical reviewer for NSF and IES.