Kelsey R. Ortiz

Kelsey Ortiz is the founder and director of the Inclusive Digital Era Collaborative (iDEC). Kelsey supports state efforts to have deeper policy discussions around digital learning and equal access for all students. Her work with state education agencies includes IDEA policy development in online learning environments, IEP compliance and training in virtual schools, and advocacy for parents seeking equitable school choice options. Prior to the inception of iDEC, Kelsey served as a research assistant for the Center for Online Learning and Students with Disabilities (COLSD) where she conducted two large scale policy studies on special education policy in virtual schools across the 50 states and 8 territories. She also conducted the largest study on parents of children with disabilities enrolled in virtual schools. Kelsey’s background as a special education teacher and vocational rehabilitation counselor provide her with critical insight into the needs of students with disabilities is community-based environments.