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
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A Message From Troy Tickle | |
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Assistant Superintendent, Placer County SELPA | | | |
The Placer County SELPA Open Access (OA) project is sprinting into Year 2 as the Special Education Resource Lead for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) towards our mission of enhancing access for ALL learners and improving outcomes for students with disabilities (SWD) in California. The first year of the grant saw many highlights, including several robust universal training opportunities in Assistive Technology (AT), Alternative/Augmentative Communication (AAC) and UDL provided to participants across the state. The training focused on the impact of utilizing UDL practices to support accessible learning environments to meet the learning needs of the diverse student populations of California.
In 2023-2024, the Open Access Team guided and supported our Regional Implementation Leads (RILs), who continued to build capacity within regional hubs of expertise in Assistive Technology, Augmentative/Alternative Communication, and Universal Design for Learning.
The Open Access Team also provided technical assistance to 22 Local Educational Agencies (LEA) identified as having Intensive Needs through the State Continuous Improvement Monitoring (CIM) system, supporting the LEAs implementation of innovative accessible practices to build towards improved outcomes for their special education students. One of the LEAs receiving technical assistance has committed to the exciting endeavor of becoming an Open Access UDL Showcase Site in the next three years!
In 2024-2025, Open Access will introduce two new asynchronous courses for UDL/AT Immersion and AAC Foundations designed for adult learners to complete at their own pace. Both courses are targeted for teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, administrators, and any other personnel who would like to enhance their skills in creating accessible learning environments. Future projects for the Open Access Team include creating videos showcasing UDL in action. This resource will provide educators and leaders with practical examples of how UDL can be implemented in the classroom.
Like any innovative project, the success of the Open Access work rests on our dedicated staff of experts and their deep collaboration with our partners that include California Department of Education, California Collaborative for Excellence in Education, and the State System of Support Leads throughout California.
The Open Access Team is looking forward to the many successes and challenges that await us in the 2024-25 school year. Most importantly, we will continue to champion best practices to ensure access for ALL learners in our great and diverse state.
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Embracing Learner Variability: Insights from a Sixth Grader | |
As the warmth of summer fades into the crisp beginnings of autumn, students are gearing up for another school year. Among them is Max, a soon-to-be sixth grader brimming with anticipation and a clear vision of what makes his learning experience truly optimal.
Understanding Universal Design for Learning
Max has an understanding of UDL which has been shaped by his mother's work with Open Access and a school research project. Max defines Universal Design for Learning (UDL) simply as "All students get a fair opportunity to learn." For him, UDL translates into having the necessary resources readily available in the classroom. Whether it's multiplication charts, text-to-speech tools, breaks, or fidgets, these resources break down barriers and empower him to engage fully in his learning journey.
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Key Resource for UDL Implementation | |
CAST Introduces the NEW UDL Guidelines 3.0 | |
The new UDL Guidelines serve as a practical resource for implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework created by CAST to enhance and optimize education for all students. The ultimate aim of UDL is to empower learners to become purposeful and reflective, resourceful and authentic, as well as strategic and action-oriented in their learning journey.
Who is CAST?
CAST stands for the Center for Applied Special Technology, and they are a nonprofit education research and development organization that pioneered the Universal Design for Learning framework and the UDL Guidelines, which are now globally recognized for making learning more inclusive. CAST is a dynamic organization with one clear mission: to break down the barriers to learning that school-aged students face daily. CAST achieves this by assisting educators and organizations in leveraging insights from the learning sciences and innovative practices to shape and implement effective educational designs.
What are the UDL Guidelines 3.0?
The UDL Guidelines provide valuable support to educators, curriculum developers, researchers, parents, and others in applying the UDL framework in practice. These guidelines offer practical suggestions that can be implemented across any discipline or field to ensure that all learners have access to and can engage in meaningful, challenging educational experiences. Following a recent effort to update the UDL Guidelines in 2020, CAST is excited to announce the release of UDL Guidelines 3.0 on July 30th, 2024.
Why did CAST update the UDL Guidelines?
The UDL Guidelines are an evolving, dynamic resource that continues to grow, informed by the latest research and feedback from educators. This latest version responds to the strong demand from both educators and researchers to address significant barriers rooted in biases and exclusionary systems. This update aims to meet that challenge and further realize the Guidelines’ potential as a tool for designing learning environments that truly honor and value every learner.
What are the differences between UDL Guidelines 2.2 and Guidelines 3.0?
To see a side-by-side comparison of the changes from Guidelines Version 2.2 to Version 3.0, please check out Updates from Guidelines 2.2 to 3.0 provided by CAST.
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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
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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!
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UDL Asynchronous Course Available |
UDL Immersion
FREE UDL Immersion Asynchronous Course offered through Open Access.
Contact lbalsano-wright@placercoe.org or lpadilla@placercoe.org for additional information.
| Join the Bookshare Webinar-October 9th |
Discover the power of Bookshare—a free, federally-funded resource designed to support students with learning differences like dyslexia, blindness/low vision, and cerebral palsy.
Join us for a live webinar hosted by Open Access and Bookshare on October 9, 2024 from 3:00-3:30 PM.
Learn how Bookshare can benefit you or someone you know!
| CAUDLeading the Way Summit |
We’re back! Save the date!
The second annual CAUDLeading the Way Summit is coming your way! 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 opens on Monday September 30th. 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
Virtual : TBD
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The CA UDLeading the Way Summit is a unique gathering for California educators, focusing on Universal design for Learning (UDL). We are looking for proposals for presentations where participants will engage in discussions, workshops and explore the latest UDL design and application.
This summit provides an opportunity to network and collaborate with professionals, fostering a more inclusive education system. Accepted proposals will receive a discount on registration.
Deadline to apply: September 13, 2024
Date for response: November 1, 2024
Date for accessible materials: January 10, 2025
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For general questions and information about Open Access, please email us at
lpadilla@placercoe.org or lbalsano-wright@placercoe.org
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