Mike Marotta
ATP
Mike Marotta, ATP is a nationally recognized RESNA‑Certified Assistive Technology Professional with over 30–35 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities through technology, training, and systemic capacity‑building. He is the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) at Disability Rights New Jersey, where he leads statewide efforts to improve access to assistive technology for people of all abilities.
As the owner of Inclusive Technology Solutions, LLC, Mike provides consulting, AT evaluations, professional learning experiences, and technology implementation support across school, workplace, and community settings. His work emphasizes practical, collaborative, and team‑driven approaches to matching the right tools with each individual’s unique needs.
Mike is also well known as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate‑level courses in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning at institutions such as Ramapo College of New Jersey, and formerly Felician College. His instruction focuses on developing educators who can create accessible, inclusive learning environments grounded in UDL principles.
A frequent national and international presenter, Mike has delivered training for organizations including California State University–Northridge (CSUN) and contributes widely as a keynote speaker, consultant, podcaster, and content creator. He is also co‑mod of the long‑running #ATChat community on Twitter/X and co‑founder of EdcampAccess.
In recognition of his impact, Mike received the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator Award. His work continues to shape the field through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and collaboration.
Mike is also a co‑author of the book Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year, and he actively champions the belief that networking and information sharing are essential to ensuring meaningful technology access for all.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Become a "Questionologist": Asking Better Questions for Better Outcomes
Effective feature matching of assistive technology (AT) doesn’t start with the tool—it starts with the question. Come join this interactive facilitated session as we explore ways to craft and ask better questions.
Participants will learn strategies to develop thoughtful, person-centered inquiry that can uncover the unique needs, strengths, and goals of individuals with disabilities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to AT, you have valuable expertise to add to this conversation.
This session will enhance your ability to become a Questionologist and engage in collaborative conversations that lead to better AT outcomes.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Identify the key characteristics of effective, person-centered questions that support assistive technology (AT) consideration and feature matching.
2. Develop a set of open-ended and purposeful questions using structured frameworks (e.g., SETT) to uncover the unique needs, strengths, and goals of individuals with disabilities.
3. Apply collaborative questioning strategies in case-based scenarios to practice tailoring inquiries that lead to more meaningful and individualized AT recommendations.
Supporting Inclusive Learning with AI: Let’s go Beyond the Tools!
AI is THE hot topic in education. Tools are coming out every day that promise to radically change the way we complete tasks. Beyond the tools....let’s talk about how this impacts education and promotes a culture of inclusivity.
- How can these AI tools provide options and flexibility for all learners in your classroom?
- How is your school approaching AI in education?
- What do your AI policies and procedures look like? Do you even have policies and procedures about AI?
- Are you providing PD training to staff on effective use of AI tools in the classroom?
This session will focus on strategies to ensure accessibility so that all learners have an opportunity to benefit from this revolutionary technology innovation. Come prepared to explore AI tools and participate in conversations about these important issues.
Utilizing AT to Promote an Inclusive Transition Process to Support Employment
Assistive Technology can be intentionally integrated into the transition planning process to support successful employment outcomes for students with disabilities. Participants will examine how the Principles of Universal Design can guide inclusive transition practices that reduce barriers and increase independence in workplace settings. The session highlights practical accommodation solutions across no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech options, addressing a wide range of disability needs. These accommodations can empower learners, promote access and facilitate long term success beyond school.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will explain how Assistive Technology can be integrated into the transition planning process to support inclusive, employment-focused outcomes.
- Participants will apply the Principles of Universal Design to identify and reduce barriers within transition and workplace readiness practices.
- Participants will select and implement appropriate no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech accommodation solutions to support diverse learners in achieving long-term postsecondary and employment success.