10/28/2025 - 10/28/2025
Presenter: Wendy Raynor, Founder of WRH College Prep and Accommodations Simplified
When the Camera is Watching: Helping Neurodiverse Learners Navigate Virtually Proctored Exams
This engaging webinar, presented in an interview-style format, will explore the unique challenges and accommodations for neurodiverse students navigating virtually proctored exams. Together, we will examine whether the anxiety triggers seen in standardized testing mirror those experienced in college course assessments, and discuss common conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, sensory sensitivities, Tourette’s, memory deficits, and processing speed differences—and how these can be intensified in online testing environments. The conversation will highlight practical ways institutions can translate traditional accommodations like extended time, human readers, scribes, and special instruments into virtual contexts, while also addressing equitable approaches to cost, medical accommodations such as unlimited breaks, and the use of tools like on-screen calculators. Beyond formal supports, we’ll explore personal strategies students can adopt to manage stress, best practices for preparing for virtually proctored assessments, and circumstances when a non-virtual exam may be more appropriate. Finally, we’ll share recommended resources that empower students to reduce anxiety and succeed in high-stakes testing situations.
Wendy has been tutoring since 2011 and is the founder of WRH College Prep as well as its LD specialist. Understanding the challenges of neurodiverse students comes naturally to her — she has grappled with learning differences and anxiety throughout her life.In addition to tutoring, Wendy authored "Accommodations Simplified: A Guide to Understanding SAT® and ACT® Accommodations", a comprehensive resource for navigating standardized test accommodations. She is available to help families who are struggling with obtaining the proper accommodations on the SAT and ACT. Before founding WRH College Prep, Wendy served as the Regional Director of Applerouth Tutoring and C2 Education, honing her expertise in test preparation and educational leadership. Wendy holds a BA from the University of the Pacific and an MBA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. She is the Accommodations Liaison for the National Test Prep Association and co-chair of the Teen Board of the International Dyslexia Association of Georgia. Wendy also began her 3-year appointment to the International Dyslexia Association Georgia’s board of directors in 2025.
This week's webinar is made possible through the generous support of our sponsor, SmarterServices
Location: Zoom Meeting
11/3/2025 - 11/7/2025
Join us for NDLW 2025! This year's theme is The Great AI Disequilibrium, so if you have felt a little shaken by all of the rapid changes and need some help finding your balance, we have a full week of programming to help.
Each day starts at 11am ET with some of the USDLA Crew, including Farah Bennani and Kae Novak hosting the Online Daily Show, a chance to network and discuss topics of the day. Bring your ideas, questions, and a beverage. The rest of the week's schedule is as follows:
Monday November 3
12 pm Noon ET
AI: The Great Disequilibrium Panel
Chris Luchs, Community College of Denver and Jim Vernon, Aims Community College
1 pm ET
AI for All Minds: Lessons from Neurodiversity to Transform Learning
Josh Penzell, Founder & CEO, Imagination Applied
Tuesday November 4
12 pm Noon ET
AI: Friend or Foe for Learning & Development?
Michael Lampe, UCHealth and Adam Barragato, Bien-Air Medical Technologies
1 pm ET
Reframing RSI: Your Best Defense Against AI Misuse
Marcus Popetz, Harmonize and Alyson Mike
Wednesday November 5
12 pm Noon ET
Finding the Balance: Addressing the AI Disequilibrium
Matt Stilwell, Front Range Community College
1 pm ET
Creating the Conditions for Student Voice and Agency in Online Learning
Dr. Heather Young,University of Florida; Debra Olbeding,Yellowdig; Victoria Dela Cruz, Yellowdig and Alessandra Puilen, Yellowdig
Thursday November 6
12 pm Noon ET
See, Ask, Discover: Bringing Experts & Experiences to Your Learners in Real Time
Allyson Mitchell, Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration
1 pm ET
Panel Discussion: Building Peer Connections and Social Capital in Online Learning
Katy Kappler, InScribe, Sarah Rasmussen, Dakota State University, and Nathan Watson, Lindenwood University
Friday November 7
12 pm Noon - 2 pm
The AI Transforming Learning and Launching Careers
Dr. Robbie Melton, Tennessee State University
For complete session information and to learn more about this annual event, visit NDLW on our website.
Location: Zoom Meeting
1/20/2026 - 1/22/2026
Join us for our 2026 Public Policy Week
For most recent session descriptions and speaker bios, please visit https://usdla.org/ppw/
Location: Zoom Meeting
6/22/2026 - 6/25/2026
2026 USDLA National Conference and Award Ceremony
Dates: June 22nd – 25th
The host location will be Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower
The conference promises something for everyone:
- Multiple Keynotes from Industry Leaders
- Monday Afternoon Pre-Conference Sessions
- Monday Evening Conference Kickoff Party
- 50+ Concurrent Sessions
- International Awards Luncheon Celebration
- Bill Jackson Memorial Walk/Run
- Night on the Town with Colleagues
- Public Policy Forum
- State Chapters Meeting
- Virtual Option for Select Sessions
- Optional Rock & Roll Fame Event (If Available)
Our USDLA National Conference has long been an event where we mingle, discuss technology and learn from an audience broader than our own. Nothing can replace those live in-person interactions and conference feedback has always focused on those personal relationships made with one another.
For our 39th anniversary will be focusing on tracks that are in high demand as we continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies. These tracks include:
- Backstage Pass to Policy: Navigating Governance and Regulation in Distance Education
- The Headliners: Distance and Digital Leadership on the Higher Education Main stage
- Open Mic, Open Minds: Ensuring Quality, Flexibility, and Access in Online Learning
- The Digital AI Groove: Exploring Innovative Techniques and Technologies Education
- The ID Set List: Curating Best Practices in Instructional Design
- Amplify Every Voice: Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity in Online Education
- The K-12 Playground: Curating Best Practices in the K-12 Space
Location: Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower
1360 W Mall Dr
Cleveland, OH 44114
Please visit https://usdla.org/events/national-conference/ for all up to date conference details
