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
Making Friends with Failure
How can we get students comfortable with the concept of failure in the limited time we have with them?
ShiftED Podcast: A Conversation with Vanguard School
This month, ShiftED is joined by Cycle 1 educators Stephanie Gordon and Alexie Csipak of the semi-private Vanguard School, whose mission is to “help students
Developing a Pedagogy of Belonging for English-Speakers in Quebec: It’s Complicated
Do English-speakers have a place in Quebec society? Do we ‘fit in’? Are we accepted by our fellow Quebecers? These are questions that the English-speaking
The Journey Matters
School is going to look and feel different this year – that is not in question – so what are some strategies and techniques we
Learning Landscapes – Vol 1 No 1 (2007): Student Engagement in the 21st Century
The first issue presents texts that help to clarify and extend the meanings of student engagement as it applies to learning and other dimensions of
Design Thinking Framework
This student template is to guide them through the UDL process for projects and exploration.
Learning Landscapes – Vol 6 No 1 (2012): Creativity: Insights, Directions and Possibilities
This issue situates creativity at the core of 21st century learning, and examines a wide range of interesting and creative practices in education.
Learning Landscapes – Vol 7 No 2 (2014): Inclusive Education: Socially Just Perspectives and Practices
The submissions in this issue show how inclusion is a daily pedagogical responsibility of teachers and others, and how deficit notions of students prevent the
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.
