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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 Kevin Schaefer

Director of Equity and Inclusive Practices

El Dorado County SELPA

Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) provides unparalleled statewide technical assistance to educational communities in their pursuit of inclusive and equitable systems. Together we seek to empower each student to be purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-directed within an environment of belonging, community, and connection.


Supporting Inclusive Practice's Approach to Inclusion

Culture

We believe that a culture focused on building capacity at all levels via collaborative systems and structures is essential.


Policy

We believe that creating and implementing policies that remove structural and procedural barriers that impede the change of inclusion is vital.


Practice

We believe in inclusive practices that are responsive to student diversity, encourage student-directed learning, are evidence-based, and developed via ongoing collaboration between staff, students, and the community.


Cohesive Leadership

We believe that a cohesive leadership team that is distributed across levels and is committed to driving change across the organization is an essential element for inclusion.


The SIP team launched "Inclusion Academies" in partnership with county offices and SELPAs. Our first "prototype" Inclusion Academy was established in 2023-24 at the request of the Santa Barbara County Education Office/SELPA, engaging 11 LEAs from the region to focus on fostering inclusive cultures, policies, and practices. UDL emerged as a key regional priority. In response to this need, in 2024-25, the SIP and Open Access teams were asked to collaborate on a comprehensive UDL implementation plan for the entire county. This effort serves as a model for system-of-support integration, aimed at promoting equitable post-secondary outcomes and opportunities for all students in California.


Open Access and the Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) project are both Technical Assistance providers focused on promoting inclusion and access for students with disabilities. With Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at the core of both initiatives, we’ve successfully defined our roles, aligned our approaches, and refined our support for LEAs across California. This collaboration helps minimize confusion and reduce initiative overload for our partners.


Be sure to follow SIP on Facebook, X, and Instagram: @sipinclusion

Learn more about Supporting Inclusive Practices

Spotlight Section

Empowering Learning for All:

Guadalupe & Lompoc Lead with UDL Innovation


In this newsletter's Spotlight Section, we proudly highlight the proactive steps being taken by Guadalupe Union School District and Lompoc Unified School District as part of their participation in the Santa Barbara Inclusion Network. Both districts are on a journey to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL), demonstrating a strong commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of all students. Through their participation in the network, they are aligning their instructional practices with UDL principles, driving improved student engagement, participation, and outcomes.


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

Read More about Guadalupe and Lompoc

Key Resource for UDL Implementation

Open Access UDL Lesson Look Fors

Open Access developed a Lesson Look For Tool designed to help educators reflect on and assess the variability in their learning environments. This tool guides teachers in identifying differences in student needs and preferences during lessons. The goal is to ensure that instructional practices and resources are inclusive and aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.


The tool helps teachers reflect on how engaging their lessons are for all students and whether the materials, methods, and assessments used in the lesson are accessible. It looks at whether students have choices in engaging, expressing their understanding, and accessing information.

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

New Asynchronous Course Offering! UDL Asynchronous Course - Register NOW!

Open Access is now offering Asynchronous Courses

FREE UDL Immersion Asynchronous Courses!

COMING SOON: UDL/AT Immersion Asynchronous Course!


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

CAUDLeading the Way Summit

Registration is NOW OPEN!

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 opened 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: $175.00

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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