Inclusion, DIVERSE Needs and Universal design for learning (UDL)
All learners deserve access to an education that recognizes their unique strengths and challenges. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the use of assistive technology can augment the success and engagement of all learners. This page will provide information and resources to support all students to improve accessibility and inclusion in your classroom and community.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ?
The UDL framework guides the design of instructional goals, assessments, methods, and materials that can be customized to meet individual needs. UDL prompts educators to provide learners with multiple means of engagement, representation, action and expression. Click here to visit the CAST website in order learn more about the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines,
In 2017, educators from across Quebec went to the active learning classrooms at McGill University to talk about the connections between classroom space design and UDL. The Designing Engaging Classrooms website was developed following this meeting to support Quebec educators with implementing the UDL Framework
Universal Design for Learning and the Design Process go hand-in-hand to help teachers create student-centred lessons. One resource that members of our team found helpful was the Design Thinking Process and UDL Planning Tool by Jackie Gerstein, Ed.D. and Barbara Bray which is featured below. Click on the image below to visit their Design Thinking Process and UDL Planning Tool for STEM, STEAM, Maker Education article that explores the connections between UDL and Design Thinkings in more detail and contains a useful teacher planning tool.
UDL in a Social Sciences Context: Resources and Challenges in a Digital Age – RÉCIT ACE 2022
In this video, Paul Rombough (Social Sciences consultant at LEARN) discusses Universal Design for Learning in the context of Social Sciences.
This is a recorded webinar which took place at the Anglophone Community Expo (ACE) 2022 conference.
Resources
Helping Special Needs and At-Risk Students in Kindergarten – A Teacher’s Toolkit and Quick Behaviour Locator
A collection of articles and resources related to the 6 preschool competencies.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Toolkit
The activities in the toolkit provide a constructivist approach to learning about the guidelines. Through the creation of this toolkit, our goal is to support the
Helping Special Needs and At-Risk Students in Kindergarten
A collection of resources and strategic suggestions to use when teaching special needs and at-risk students.
Executive Function Skills
A collection of resources featuring executive function, adolescent development, and social emotional learning projects (SEL).
Building Confidence in the Online Learner (and Teacher!)
So, now we have an opportunity to revisit the key takeaways of our workshop series, Making the Shift to Online Teaching and Learning, and to
Play is the Heart and Soul of All Child Development
When the new preschool program was recently released by the Ministry of Education, I was floored that the foundation is built around PLAY!
Application of Digital Accessibility Standards for Distance Learning
My question is: How can we look at the past two years’ experience and leverage the benefits to keep moving forward rather than “back” to
A Review of Learning Techniques and their Efficacy
Which learning techniques show more benefits for learners than others and how do we know this?
Curated Resources for Universal Design for Learning
Accessibility
Accessible documents and assistive technology tools are crucial to supporting all learners. Accessible documents are made with an intentional design, structure, and content to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can understand the information being conveyed. Assistive technology, which can refer to devices, software or equipment, also helps individuals learn and communicate effectively.
A Guide for the Production and Selection of Accessible Digital Educational Resources
This guide was created to support school personnel in selecting and producing accessible digital educational resources (ADERs) for learners.
Assistive Tech Tools for Reading and Writing
This resource page contains information about assistive technology features. It focuses on MS WORD (desktop or web) and Google Docs (web) software.
