Download the UDL Standard Infographic
"Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn." (CAST, 2018)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strives to design inclusive learning environments that enable participation of all learners through flexible routes for learning. It offers principles and guidelines for curriculum design, teaching methods, materials and assessments that work for all students based on their unique strengths and needs. UDL recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to creating inclusive learning environments and strives to prevent barriers, protect students’ rights to equitable opportunities, and support academic success for all students.
Below is a list of learning opportunities and resources available to faculty and staff to guide the integration of UDL.
Live Captioning at College Events:
Centennial College is steadfastly committed to fostering an accessible and welcoming learning, working, and living environment.
The availability of captioning at College events ensures maximized engagement and participation of all attendees. At a minimum, automated captioning found on most online platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, will be available. Live Captioning will be reserved for institutional events and funded through the Accessibility and UDL Office within the Innovation, Inclusion, Reconciliation and Healing (IIRH) Portfolio. Institutional events are defined as gatherings that align with or further the current strategic commitments and are open for the entire College community to attend. College events that do not meet the criteria outlined, but still want to have live captioning, will be responsible to cover the cost in their own school or department budget and are encouraged to consider these expenses in their event planning process.
For a list of available captioning services or for more information, please contact Jenny Clement, Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Lead via email at jclement@centennialcollege.ca or Saira Merali, Accessibility Program Specialist via email at smerali@centennialcollege.ca.
Introduction to Universal Design for Learning Module
This course introduces strategies and concrete applications to propel you into implementing the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The course consists of 4 modules: UDL Principles, Course Design, Content & Delivery, and Assessment & Evaluation. Each module comes with a list of resources and interactive opportunities to test your knowledge. You will be awarded a digital badge upon completion of the course.
UDL Standard at Centennial College
The UDL Stanard at Centennial College offers a starting point for those who are at the early stage of integrating UDL in their teaching. It highlights key principles and suggested methods for integrating UDL practices.
Faculty are encouraged to complete the self-reflection tool to help assess their current understanding and use of UDL and establish future UDL goals.
Inclusive Teaching at Centennial College: Strategies and Tools Guide
This resource offers a how-to guide for faculty to integrate UDL principles into their teaching practices. The guide describes and explains key UDL strategies based on the UDL Standard at Centennial College. It includes detailed information, video tutorials, sample strategies, and interactive self-assessments.
For more information, please contact Jenny Clement, Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Lead at: jclement@centennialcollege.ca, and Saira Merali, Accessibility Program Specialist at: smerali@centennialcollege.ca.
UDL Workshop Series
This 5-part workshop series offers synchronous and interactive workshops through guided facilitation. For May/June 2021, they will be offered on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM. Please see the descriptions below to learn more and register.
Special Topics in UDL and Accessibility
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 15 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Facilitator: Jenny Clement, Accessibility and UDL Lead
Facilitator: Delon Omrow, Learning Advisor
Ableism is the intentional or unintentional discrimination of people with disabilities in favour of people with able-bodies. It is rooted in the assumption that people with disabilities are "less than" people with able-bodies or need to be "fixed." Ableism can manifest in everyday language, attitudes, and limiting beliefs about what disability. In this interactive workshop, you will have the opportunity to explore how ableism manifests itself in the classroom and discuss different strategies to eliminate it to create an inclusive environment for all students.
For registration and more information, please direct people to the Centre for Faculty Development and Teaching Innovation (CFTDI) weekly Compendium.
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 28 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Facilitator: Jenny Clement, Accessibility and UDL Lead
Facilitator: Delon Omrow, Learning Advisor
We educators should make efforts to ensure that our students experience their own learning styles and their own cultures in the teaching and learning process. The diversity of cultures, opinions, experiences, interests, passions can be captured in the tenets of UDL, encouraging students to see the world, and every situation, from various perspectives. We can encourage students to explore issues from multiple angles and value collaboration across lines of difference so they can ask important questions about power dynamics and voice.
For registration and more information, please direct people to the Centre for Faculty Development and Teaching Innovation (CFTDI) weekly Compendium.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 5 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Facilitator: Jenny Clement, Accessibility and UDL Lead
Facilitator: Delon Omrow, Learning Advisor
This introductory workshop, participants will learn about the philosophy and practice of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as an inclusive design approach to education. Participants will learn about the UDL Standards at Centennial College, the Plus One approach, and the role of UDL in enhancing accessibility throughout the College community. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on workplace contexts and identify opportunities to implement UDL strategies and tools that enhance the learning and work environment for all.
For registration and more information, please direct people to the Centre for Faculty Development and Teaching Innovation (CFTDI) weekly Compendium.