ITEC Fall Conference 2026

Many education organizations rely heavily on automated accessibility checkers for websites and documents, assuming a passing score guarantees an accessible document or site. However, compliance does not equal usability. In fact, an "ADA Compliant" document is not a real thing, and automated accessibility checkers are far less accurate than you think. Automated tools are accessibility tools, not a complete accessibility solution.
This presentation will demystify document accessibility by exploring the critical differences and connections between standards like WCAG, PDF/UA, and WCAG2ICT. We will uncover exactly what accessibility checklists and checkers fail to catch or get wrong and will learn 7 essential steps to catch the accessibility issues that automated tools frequently miss. Finally, we will cover how to incorporate genuine user feedback into document creation. The ultimate goal of this session is to equip creators to produce documents that are not just technically (and legally) compliant, but usable by everyone including learners with disabilities and their families.

Budgets are tight. Always have been. Always will be. That's why creating a long-term budget strategy for technology is crucial. Learn how the Dallas-Center Grimes School District established a predictable refresh cycle and utilizes multiple funding streams to fund our technology initiatives.

Generative AI is a game-changer, but sometimes you need answers based strictly on the facts you trust. NotebookLM is different because it is "grounded" in the specific content you provide, helping to reduce hallucinations and inaccuracies. In this deep-dive session, we will learn how to create notebooks using your own Google Docs, Slides, PDFs, websites, videos and more. We will explore how to "chat" with your sources to find specific answers and summarize key concepts, and then use the powerful Studio tools to instantly generate Audio and Video Overviews, slide decks, infographics, mind maps, data tables, flashcards, quizzes, and reports. Discover practical and creative ways to use NotebookLM for teaching and learning.

Are you responsible for making purchasing decisions? Are you part of the team that vets and recommends products for use in PreK-12 instruction and assessment? This session will help you include accessibility in your procurement processes and ensure that all students, especially those who use assistive technology, can access and use the tools selected by your agency. Learn how accessibility can be embedded in familiar components, such as Requests for Proposals, scoring matrices, and contract language. Understand how additional components, such as vendor documentation and demonstrations, enhance your understanding of the vendor’s commitment to accessibility, as well as demonstrate accessibility conformance with ADA Title II requirements. Leave with free resources and practical actions to share with your procurement colleagues so that you can get started on policy and procedural improvements ahead of your next purchase or procurement cycle.

The E-Rate program provides substantial discounts -- up to 90% -- on eligible internet services and network equipment, but like any federal program, the application and reporting requirements can seem daunting.  Learn how to successful navigate this process and how a partnership between the business and technology departments at DCG Schools has resulted in a 99% utilization of available E-Rate funds.

Software licensing fees are climbing, device replacement cycles are getting tighter, and network infrastructure demands are higher than ever. How are school district tech departments staying on budget? This unstructured round table is an open floor for infrastructure professionals to compare notes on saving money. Key topics include eliminating redundant platforms, vendor price hikes, cloud migration trade-offs, and creative ways to stretch hardware lifecycles. No vendor pitches—just honest peer advice on what to keep, what to cut, and how to negotiate better terms for your district.