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Open Access Newsletter

Open Access is a statewide Special Education Resource Lead based in the foundational belief that with access to quality curriculum & instruction, students with disabilities can engage, actively participate, and learn with inclusive settings.



Learning and participation for all…where UDL, AT, and AAC collide

A Message From Marci Zeppegno

Program Manager, Prevention and Intervention Services

Humboldt County Office of Education

Marci Zeppegno is a Program Manager for Prevention and Intervention Services at the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE), where she leads efforts to support districts in transforming school climates. In this role, she serves as a trainer and coach in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is a certified trainer with the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP), and provides training and coaching in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Additionally, she is a Region 1 Lead and a certified coach for California’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (CA MTSS). Prior to this position, Marci spent over 20 years as an Education Specialist, working with students from preschool through high school. She earned her M.Ed. from Cal Poly Humboldt.


The Prevention and Intervention Department at the Humboldt County Office of Education provides comprehensive support to districts within California's Multi-Tiered System of Support (CA MTSS), a framework that integrates academic, behavioral, social-emotional learning, and mental health initiatives through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. The team offers training, resources, and support to help districts expand and strengthen their MTSS efforts, with a strong focus on inclusion and equity. HCOE is dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities, cultivating positive school climates, and promoting inclusive discipline practices.


In partnership with Open Access, HCOE’s Prevention and Intervention team and the Humboldt Del-Norte SELPA offer UDL Immersion trainings and specialized Assistive Technology sessions. These efforts empower special and general education teachers to collaboratively design inclusive, flexible lessons that meet the diverse needs of their students. With a focus on strengthening capacity across the HCOE educational community, this initiative began with direct UDL coaching for participants, equipping them to take on coaching roles themselves. This model has expanded the reach and sustainability of UDL efforts, creating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration to enhance inclusive teaching practices. A key resource in this work has been the Open Access UDL Resource Flipkit, a practical tool for supporting educators in implementing UDL practices.


Additionally, Open Access and HCOE's Prevention and Intervention team are supporting Redwood Preparatory Charter School in becoming a UDL Showcase Site. Through ongoing professional development and coaching, staff have deepened their understanding of UDL strategies, creating an inclusive learning environment that demonstrates the positive impact of UDL on student outcomes.


Through UDL Immersion training and coaching, participants have been encouraged to focus on reducing barriers within the educational environment. This focus has fostered more inclusive spaces where all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, have equal access to meaningful learning opportunities. Additionally, by emphasizing the principles of UDL, educators have gained a deeper understanding of learner variability and the importance of designing lessons that provide multiple pathways for Engagement, Representation, and Action and Expression. Educators are now equipped to reduce barriers, offer diverse pathways to learning, and foster environments where all students thrive.

Learn more about Humboldt County Office of Education

Spotlight Section

A Model for UDL Implementation and Innovation

In this newsletter's Spotlight Section, we proudly highlight the proactive steps being taken by Redwood Preparatory Charter School as part of their journey to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL). With the support of Open Access, the school is enhancing instructional practices, fostering student engagement, and building a culture of inclusivity that meets the diverse needs of all learners. Through their dedicated efforts, including professional development, collaborative learning, and a focus on equity, Redwood Prep is creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. As part of their commitment to UDL, Redwood Prep has become a UDL Showcase Site, allowing other educators to observe best practices in action and adapt them to their own contexts.


Click on the link below to learn more about their collaborative efforts and successes in fostering meaningful change for students through UDL implementation.

Learn more about Redwood Preparatory School

Key Resource for UDL Implementation

Open Access UDL Feedback Forms

Open Access Walkthrough Guide

Open Access developed a Classroom Walkthrough Guide to support administrators in addressing four specific areas of practice during informal classroom observations. The four areas of focus include examining evidence of universally designed instruction, as well as identifying multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. 

Click here for the Walkthrough Guide

Open Access Teacher Note Form

Open Access created Teacher Note Forms for administrators to share with teachers during classroom walkthroughs. The goal is for these forms to facilitate positive and constructive feedback, assist staff in their UDL skill development, and foster positive interactions during administrative walkthroughs.

Click here for the Teacher Note Form 
Click here for more Open Access UDL Resources

Upcoming Professional Learning

Mark Your Calendars!

Inclusive Learning Circles

Fostering Synergy Between UDL, AT, & AAC 

Open to all educators to expand knowledge & share best practices 

Click Here to Register 

Virtual Training

Open Access is offering virtual training for

UDL Immersion, UDL/AT Immersion, and AAC Foundations! 

Free training for educators, administrators, service providers, & paraprofessionals! 

Contact Open Access to Register

TWO Asynchronous Course Offerings!

UDL/AT Immersion and UDL Immersion Register NOW!

Open Access is now offering TWO Asynchronous Courses

FREE UDL/AT Immersion Asynchronous Course!

FREE UDL Immersion Asynchronous Course!

Contact lbalsano-wright@placercoe.org or lpadilla@placercoe.org to register!

CAUDLeading the Way Summit

Registration is OPEN!

The second annual CAUDLeading the Way Summit is right around the corner! This year we are excited to host a 2 day event showcasing the best of CA UDL practitioners! This dynamic event will feature local UDL experts and invite participants to engage in workshops, discussions, presentations and networking. Let’s continue to grow this movement of inclusion and access for ALL! Registration is open! This event will sell out, so be sure to register early to save your spot for learning and connection. 


CAUDL Summit Website: bit.ly/CAUDL2025


When: 

Thursday, January 30, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM

Friday, January 31, 2025 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM


Where: 

San Joaquin County Office of Education 

2922 Transworld Dr, Stockton, CA 95206


Cost:

In Person: $175.00

Virtual : $75.00

For general questions and information about Open Access, please email us at

lpadilla@placercoe.org or lbalsano-wright@placercoe.org

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