Center for Applied Special Technology
CAST is a 40-year-old nonprofit that invented Universal Design for Learning (UDL), providing professional development, credentials, certification, consulting, and digital tools to PreK-12, postsecondary, workforce, and edtech customers across 21 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersLynnfield, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Center for Applied Special Technology does
CAST is a nonprofit education research and development organization founded in 1984 and headquartered in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. The organization invented Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an evidence-based framework grounded in learning sciences (cognitive and neuroscience) that guides the design of flexible, inclusive educational experiences by providing flexibility in how information is presented, how students respond, and how they engage. CAST operates the AEM Center (National Center on Accessible Educational Materials) and CITES (Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems), maintains the freely accessible UDL Guidelines website, and develops digital tools including CAST Figuration, an MIT-licensed open-source framework for building accessible websites.
CAST serves PreK-12 educators, postsecondary faculty and instructional designers, school and district leaders, workforce and career-technical education programs, edtech developers, and families. Named institutional relationships include the Paraguay Ministry of Education (nationwide implementation), McGraw Hill, LEGO Education (UDL Product Certification for K-8 science curriculum), aiEDU, 1EDTECH, America Makes, Digital Promise, NSF (REVISE Center), and state education agencies in Michigan and Massachusetts. Scale signals include 19,000 teachers reached in 2024, activity in 21 countries and 42 U.S. states, and 40+ years of continuous operation.
The business model blends multiple revenue streams: professional development course fees (self-directed and instructor-led at $850-$1,250 per person), competency-based UDL Credentials and UDL Product Certification in partnership with Digital Promise, book and media publishing, accessibility consulting for ADA Title II compliance, donations, and grant-funded research partnerships. Distribution occurs through the CAST website store, the Canvas Catalog LMS, Eventbrite registration, purchase orders from institutional buyers, and customized enterprise engagements. The annual UDL-Con: International conference (July 21-22, 2026) and an Online Community including a UDL and AI Learning Community drive sustained engagement.
Center for Applied Special Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Center for Applied Special Technology
- Legal name
- Center for Applied Special Technology, D/B/A CAST, Inc.
- Website
- https://cast.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CAST is a 40-year-old nonprofit that invented Universal Design for Learning (UDL), providing professional development, credentials, certification, consulting, and digital tools to PreK-12, postsecondary, workforce, and edtech customers across 21 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Center for Applied Special Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Special Education and Inclusive Learning Services
- NAICS
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (541720), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Classroom Support Platforms (EDAFAKAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Special Education & Accessibility-Optimized Media (UDL, AAC, Captioning) (EDAGALAH), Differentiated Instruction & Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation Support (EDAKABAC), Accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Content Services (EDAGAKAJ)
Keywords
Where Center for Applied Special Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lynnfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Center for Applied Special Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Professional Development Courses: Online courses in UDL implementation offered at various price points ($850-$1,250 per person). Includes self-directed mini courses, instructor-led courses, and graduate credit options. Revenue from individual registrations and institutional group purchases.
- UDL Credentials and Certifications: CAST offers competency-based UDL Credentials (Mindset, Analysis, Application) and UDL Product Certification in partnership with Digital Promise. Digital badges awarded upon completion.
- Publishing: CAST publishes books and media centered on inclusive learning principles guided by UDL. Available through the CAST catalog and store.
- Consulting and Custom Solutions: Accessibility consulting services and customized professional development for schools, districts, and organizations implementing UDL or meeting ADA compliance requirements.
- Digital Tools and Resources: Free and premium digital tools including CAST Figuration (open source), AEM Center resources, and vetted accessible educational materials guidance.
- Donations: CAST accepts donations to support their mission of making education accessible to all learners through UDL implementation worldwide.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | PreK-12: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (Instructor-Led) - Fall 2026 |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Postsecondary: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (Instructor-Led) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Postsecondary: Supporting UDL Implementation (Instructor-Led) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Supporting UDL Implementation in Postsecondary Education (Summer 2025) |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Self-Directed Mini Courses |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | UDL Credentials (3 levels) |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Accessibility in Action Workshop |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels10 records
Center for Applied Special Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CAST is a nonprofit education research and development organization that invents, advances, and operationalizes the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to eliminate barriers in education. The organization sells professional development courses, UDL credentials and certifications, accessibility consulting, accessible books and media, and the CAST Figuration digital tool to educators, schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and EdTech product developers. It also operates the AEM Center, a federally funded national center providing technical assistance on accessible educational materials.
Product overview
CAST offers a comprehensive ecosystem of products and services centered on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework the organization invented based on learning sciences research. The portfolio spans professional development across PreK-12, postsecondary, and workforce sectors; research and development of innovative educational solutions; publishing of books and media; strategic partnerships; and accessibility & inclusive technology services. Core offerings include the UDL Guidelines framework, the UDL Schoolwide Implementation Criteria for school certification, and UDL Product Certification in partnership with Digital Promise. The organization operates the AEM Center (National Center on Accessible Educational Materials) and CITES (Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems). Digital tools include CAST Figuration for accessible web development. The product portfolio also includes courses with associated credentials (UDL Mindset, UDL Analysis, UDL Application), an AI & UDL Learning Community, the annual UDL-Con: International conference, the CAST UDL Awards program, books, whitepapers, and a professional podcast. The organization has 40+ years of experience, reaching 19,000 teachers in 2024 across 21 countries and 42 U.S. states.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- UDL Guidelines: A framework created by CAST based on extensive research for developing successful and inclusive learning experiences.
- AEM Center
- CITES
- CAST Figuration
Products and services
- CAST Online Learning (UDL courses)
Quantifiable outcome
- 19,000+ teachers reached in 2024
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Center for Applied Special Technology
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Center for Applied Special Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature5 records
Center for Applied Special Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- LEGO EducationminorLEGO Education Science K-8 curriculum achieved CAST UDL Product Certification. Blog article 'UDL Beyond the Bricks' documents LEGO Education's journey to certification and how UDL and playful approaches informed their curriculum.
- McGraw HillcoreCAST supports the administration of the McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award, which recognizes innovative educators. Three 2026 award winners announced with CAST support. Collaborative effort to promote inventive teaching approaches.
- aiEDUcoreCollaboration on AI in the Big Sky initiative providing 31 sites with AI Field Kits including drones and orbs. Joint effort to help Montana rural youth explore AI ethically under UDL principles.
- Paraguay Ministry of EducationcoreGroundbreaking national initiative to strengthen inclusive education through nationwide UDL implementation. CAST partners with Paraguay's Ministry of Education to advance inclusive education practices across the country.
- Africa Dyslexia OrganizationminorSignatory on joint statement 'Learning for All: Our Global Vision for Inclusive Education by 2030' alongside CAST and other international education organizations. Collaborative advocacy for inclusive education policy and practices globally.
- Global Schools ForumminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Collaborative effort to advance inclusive education globally through shared advocacy and policy influence.
- LuminosminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Collaborative advocacy organization focused on global education equity.
- Schools2030/Aga Khan FoundationminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Partnership advancing inclusive education initiatives in underserved communities globally.
- Relay Graduate School of EducationminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Collaborative partner in teacher preparation and inclusive education advocacy.
- Trevor Noah FoundationminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Partnership focused on inclusive education and youth development.
- Teach For AllminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Global network of independent social enterprises working toward educational equity.
- FANA-Ethiopia Center for Learning Differences and Speech-Language TherapyminorSignatory on joint statement for inclusive education vision 2030. Partnership focused on learning differences and speech-language therapy in Ethiopia.
- 1EDTECHminorPartnership on the 1EDTECH Accessibility Rubric for EdTech content developers. Resource helps content developers self-assess accessibility progress and provides consumers with detailed information on accessibility conformance.
- SETDAminorPartner organization of the AEM Center at CAST. SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association) supports accessible educational materials initiatives.
- ATIAminorPartner organization of the AEM Center at CAST. ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) contributes to accessible educational materials and technology guidance.
- ISKMEminorPartner organization of the AEM Center at CAST. ISKME supports open educational resources and accessibility initiatives.
- America MakesminorCollaboration on additive manufacturing career guidance project creating free digital resources to attract individuals to career pathways in the additive manufacturing industry.
- Digital PromisecorePartnership for UDL Product Certification helping educators find accessible, functional edtech aligned with NETP goals. Certification ensures UDL design supports all learners.
- National Science Foundation (REVISE Center)corePartnership through REVISE Center - NSF AISL Resource Center working to create more accessible and universally-designed tools for informal STEM education.
- Upper Bucks County Technical SchoolminorDeveloping UDL Micro-Credential for CTE educators. Materials and resources designed to help CTE educators use UDL to help learners sustain effort and persistence.
- Michigan Department of EducationminorImproving career and technical education across Michigan by developing shared professional development vision and common student-centered language focused on inclusion and UDL framework.
- Massachusetts CTE SystemminorBringing UDL to Career & Technical Education educators across Massachusetts. Partnership focused on equitable access to CTE for diverse learners.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Center for Applied Special Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Digital Promise: National nonprofit that partners with CAST on UDL Product Certification and shares the mission of accelerating innovation in education. Both operate as education R&D intermediaries bridging research, policy, and classroom practice.
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): Member organization driving technology standards and professional development for educators, including accessibility/Udl-aligned standards. Overlaps with CAST on educator credentials, certifications, and conference programming in the EdTech space.
- 1EdTech Consortium (formerly IMS Global): Standards body developing interoperability and accessibility specifications for EdTech; a documented CAST partner on the Accessibility Rubric. Competes/cooperates with CAST in shaping accessibility standards adopted by publishers and platforms.
- SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association): Partner organization of CAST's AEM Center, representing state EdTech leaders who drive accessibility and UDL adoption policy. Operates in adjacent education policy and professional learning space targeting the same K-12 leadership buyers.
- Understood.org: Nonprofit providing free resources, expert guidance, and community for people with learning and attention issues. Shares CAST's inclusive education mission and target audience of educators and families, though focused on awareness vs. framework ownership.
- National Center for Learning Disabilities: Advocacy and resource nonprofit for individuals with learning disabilities, focused on policy and adult outcomes. Operates in the same inclusive-education ecosystem as CAST, advocating for the same federal policy levers CAST's UDL framework operationalizes.
- AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability): Professional association supporting disability resource providers and postsecondary faculty on accessibility and inclusion. Direct overlap with CAST's Postsecondary Professional Development line, particularly around UDL in higher ed and ADA compliance.
- Quality Matters: Nonprofit providing peer-reviewed quality assurance and professional development for online and digital learning, including accessibility. Comparable in offering credentials/certifications and training to faculty and instructional designers in higher education.
Emerging players
- WIDA Consortium: Education R&D consortium housed at UW-Madison that develops standards and assessments for multilingual learners; comparable as a federally recognized, research-based standards owner in K-12 with similar credentialing and PD business model.
Broad incumbents
- American Institutes for Research (AIR): Large behavioral and social science research organization with a sizable education practice. Competes for the same federal education R&D grants and contracts that help fund CAST's research and AEM/CITES center work, but with much broader scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Center for Applied Special Technology social profiles
Digital presenceCenter for Applied Special Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Center for Applied Special Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Center for Applied Special Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Center for Applied Special Technology M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Center for Applied Special Technology
What does Center for Applied Special Technology do?
CAST is a nonprofit education research and development organization that invents, advances, and operationalizes the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to eliminate barriers in education. The organization sells professional development courses, UDL credentials and certifications, accessibility consulting, accessible books and media, and the CAST Figuration digital tool to educators, schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and EdTech product developers. It also operates the AEM Center, a federally funded national center providing technical assistance on accessible educational materials.
Is Center for Applied Special Technology a public or private company?
Center for Applied Special Technology is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Center for Applied Special Technology founded?
Center for Applied Special Technology was founded in 1984. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Center for Applied Special Technology based?
Center for Applied Special Technology is headquartered in Lynnfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does Center for Applied Special Technology make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Professional Development Courses are the primary driver. The others are UDL Credentials and Certifications, publishing, consulting and Custom Solutions, digital Tools and Resources and donations.
Who are Center for Applied Special Technology's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Digital Promise, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 1EdTech Consortium (formerly IMS Global), SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association), Understood.org, National Center for Learning Disabilities, AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability) and Quality Matters. WIDA Consortium is listed as an emerging player. American Institutes for Research (AIR) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Center for Applied Special Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for Center for Applied Special Technology.
What industry is Center for Applied Special Technology in?
Center for Applied Special Technology's product category is Special Education and Inclusive Learning Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAKAI, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Classroom Support Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAGALAH, Special Education & Accessibility-Optimized Media (UDL, AAC, Captioning). Its NAICS code is 541720.