CATE 2025
The Conference on Assistive Technology in Education Expands Access and Innovation in Assistive Technology
Jun 8, 2025
On June 5th and 6th, the 2025 Conference for Assistive Technology and Education (CATE) welcomed over 300 attendees from 15 states for two powerful days of learning, networking, and discovery—all from the convenience of a virtual platform.
This year’s CATE conference brought together nationally recognized speakers to explore cutting-edge topics in assistive technology, including digital accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), service delivery strategies and models, AI integration, and early intervention. With over 50 hours of recorded content, participants were able to dive deep into strategies, tools, and evidence-based practices designed to support learners with disabilities in inclusive environments.
Interactive Sessions and Practical Tools
Attendees participated in two days packed with content-rich learning: deep-dive short courses, interactive breakout sessions, and bite-sized Lunch & Learn talks covering the latest tools and research-backed approaches in the field of assistive technology. New this year was an expanded focus on AI in special education and service delivery—one of the most talked-about topics across sessions.
Beyond the sessions, attendees engaged in nearly 200 active discussion posts, connecting across roles and regions to share challenges, solutions, and ideas. The learning continues well beyond the event with access to all session recordings, resources and discussion boards available through August 2025.
Are you an AT Educator who wants to join us next year?
The CATE conference is hosted by the Colorado StateWide Assistive Technology Augmentative & Alternative Communication (SWAAAC) program which is a CIDE program in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education. If you would like to recieve information about next year's conference, join the the CIDE mailing list to recieve the CommunicATor once a quarter. You can also follow SWAAAC on Facebook (@SWAAAC) and Instagram (@swaaac_cide) for highlights, upcoming events, and a look ahead at CATE 2026.
Who Should Attend Next Year?
CATE is designed for:
- Special Educators
- Early Interventionists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Occupational & Physical Therapists
- Teachers of the Visually Impaired
- Paraprofessionals
- School Administrators
- Parents and Caregivers
Author: Jackie McBride
SWAAAC hosts a variety of professional development events each school year, including webinars, trainings, team meetings, and more. For more information, visit our SWAAAC Events page!