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
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
Learning Landscapes – Vol 14 No 1 (2021): Pedagogical Practices: The How of Teaching and Learning
This issue includes multiple forms of representation that connect meaningfully and authentically with students.
How to Carry Forward Collaborative Online Practices
A walk-through of a teacher planning process for a collaborative and online workshop session on building Games for the Social Sciences.
Engaging Students Through Choice
Choice boards are a fun, engaging way to provide opportunities for students to learn and to demonstrate their learning that will be optimal for all
Choice Board Example & Templates
This is a collection of a variety of different choice boards that could be used in class. Giving students more choice increases engagement.
Teaching to the Edges – UDL through a Social Sciences learning process
How do you “aim” your lessons, consider your students, etc.? Presentation of UDL template. (Video also available.)
Teaching to the Edges- UDL throughout a learning process
What does that mean, in terms of how you aim your lessons, who your students are, and how you can consider using UDL throughout a
Brown Bagging it!
30 different, 10-minute design thinking challenges for learners of all ages
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.
