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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 Dr. Jack Brimhall from CDE

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Dr. Jack Brimhall

Jack Brimhall from California Department of Education

The Special Education monitoring framework uses a tiered system that differentiates the level of monitoring and technical assistance supports for each Local Educational Agency (LEA) based on data analyses and to determine the LEA’s need for support and intervention. At the core of the monitoring framework is the Compliance and Improvement Monitoring (CIM) process. LEAs in Targeted or Intensive Monitoring Levels for performance are required to participate in and complete the CIM process as part of their ongoing, annual monitoring activity. The CIM process is a series of steps and activities which identify LEAs that need assistance with correction, improvement, and the development of an integrated action plan to address the identified problems of practice. CIM is designed to ensure that LEAs, with differentiated levels of involvement and review, examine a wide-range of both compliance and performance data and identify the root causes of areas of concern so that an effective improvement action plan can be developed and implemented.


The CIM is a multi-year process which recognizes that meaningful improvement likely does not occur in a short period of time and requires sustained focus on the areas in need of improvement to effect positive outcomes for students with disabilities. To help achieve the goal of improved outcomes for students, LEAs in the Intensive tier of monitoring have a unique opportunity to be paired with Technical Assistance providers that have expertise in the LEAs self-identified problem of practice. Open Access is one of those Technical Assistance providers that are currently working with select LEAs across the state of California in implementing a CIM plan. 

Learn more about the California Technical Assistance Providers

Spotlight Section

Embracing Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement

in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation

In the realm of education, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is gaining momentum as a framework to support diverse learners in classrooms. UDL is an approach that informs the creation of educational resources and settings designed to be inclusive and accommodating to all students, regardless of their diverse needs and abilities. UDL emphasizes flexibility, inclusivity, and individualized learning experiences. However, successful implementation of UDL requires more than just understanding its principles—it demands a mindset shift and a commitment to continuous improvement. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of embracing a growth mindset and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the context of UDL implementation.

Read More of Our NEW Blog Post

Key Resource to Successful Implementation

CCEE Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Learning Network

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In the ever-changing environment of education, ensuring equitable access and engagement for all students is paramount. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) emerges as a transformative approach, fostering inclusive classrooms where every learner can thrive. At the forefront of this movement stands the CCEE UDL Learning Network, igniting innovation and collaboration across educational communities.


What is the CCEE UDL Learning Network?

The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) UDL Learning Network is a dynamic hub of educators, administrators, and educational partners committed to implementing and advancing UDL principles in California schools. Grounded in the belief that education should be accessible and responsive to diverse learner needs, the network empowers educators with the knowledge, resources, and support to create inclusive learning environments.


Why Universal Design for Learning?

UDL offers a framework to design instruction that addresses the variability of all learners. By providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement, UDL promotes accessibility, removes barriers to learning, and celebrates learner diversity. From students with disabilities to multilingual learners and beyond, UDL ensures that every learner can access rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.


The Impact of the CCEE UDL Learning Network

Through a collaborative and data-informed approach, the CCEE UDL Learning Network initiates positive change in classrooms, schools, and districts across California. By fostering a community of practice, sharing evidence-based practices, and providing tailored support, the UDL Learning Network empowers educators to implement UDL principles effectively.


UDL Learning Network Success Story: Nevada Joint Union High School District

In March of 2023, Open Access and Nevada Joint Union High School District began their journey of UDL implementation. Open Access was selected as Nevada Joint Union High School District’s Technical Assistance provider for the Compliance and Improvement Monitoring (CIM) Process. During the creation of the CIM plan, the district identified UDL as their effective innovation. The first step in the journey was to create the UDL implementation team with General Education Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and Administration. This team meets monthly to monitor progress on the actions items developed by the Implementation Team and to review data to ensure that the actions devised by the Implementation Team are effectively translating into positive outcomes for students. Regular monitoring and review allow for adjustments to be made as needed, ensuring that the goals are being met efficiently. 


In addition to the consistent monthly CIM meetings, Open Access supported Nevada Joint Union High School District with their participation in the UDL Learning Network led by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). Open Access supported the implementation of Nevada Joint’s UDL Learning Network Action Plan with the goal of increasing teacher self-efficacy for applying UDL strategies as measured by quantitative and qualitative assessments and classroom observations within the Math Department. Open Access continues to facilitate a partnership with Nevada Joint Union High School District and the UDL Learning Network by supporting the school district with training and data collection of staff empathy interviews on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) within the district. The data from these interviews provided trends and barriers which are being used to determine next steps for the UDL Implementation Team. One immediate action item included the creation of a Communication Plan to ensure consistent messaging about the implementation of UDL across the district. Currently, the team is making data-informed decisions around next steps for spreading UDL implementation to additional departments in the 2024-2025 school year. 

CCEE Statewide System of Support Resource Hub

Upcoming Professional Learning

Mark Your Calendars for 2024-2025!

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 for 2024-2025!

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
Embracing Diversity and Dimensions of Identity Webinar Series

Embracing Diversity and Dimensions of Identity Webinar Series

It is not too late to join the webinar TODAY!



Final virtual session on June 10 from 12:30-1:30 PM!

Click here to register

UDL Immersion

FREE UDL Immersion Asynchronous Course offered through Open Access.



Contact lbalsano-wright@placercoe.org or lpadilla@placercoe.org for additional information.

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

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

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