Architecting Accessibility: Designing Custom UDL Assistants with Gems and Custom GPTs

Universal Design for Learning offers a research-backed framework for addressing predictable learner variability, but designing multiple means of engagement, representation and expression for every lesson takes immense preparation time. What if AI could build inclusive checkpoints into your workflow from the start instead of retrofitting accommodations later? This hands-on session introduces a systematic design process for building permanent, reusable AI assistants with Google Gems and OpenAI's Custom GPTs. Move past repetitive, single-use chat prompts to configure specialized AI personas anchored in the core pillars of UDL, serving as multi-tiered text adaptors, executive functioning coaches and varied assessment designers. Discover when to use a Gem for native workspace automation and when a Custom GPT is better for advanced file parsing and data layouts. You will leave ready to differentiate complex texts into multiple reading levels with vocabulary bridges, launch student-facing assistants that break long-term projects into manageable milestones and audit lesson plans for accessibility gaps before you teach, turning your expertise into a team of digital co-pilots that scale accessibility for every student.