UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING
Community of Practice in Newfoundland & Labrador
About the UDL Community of Practice NL
Rooted in Newfoundland and Labrador, connected across communities.
Our Story
The Universal Design for Learning Community of Practice in Newfoundland and Labrador is a collaborative initiative working to advance inclusive, accessible education across the province. Rooted in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our community brings together educators, students, service providers, community members, and advocates who are committed to creating learning environments that recognize and support the full diversity of learners.​
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This initiative began in early 2024 with funding from Memorial University’s Public Engagement Accelerator Fund. During the initial phases, we collaborated with the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that accessibility and lived experience were embedded from the outset.
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​​The project was coordinated by a small team that included Dr. Ami Goulden (School of Social Work), Sean Fardy (Faculty of Education), Jordan Hollahan (Department of Archaeology), and Stephanie Evans (National Educational Association of Disabled Students – NEADS). While this team has helped shape and support the work, the Community of Practice was developed through the contributions of many. Educators, students, service providers, and community partners have all played a role in shaping the direction of the Community of Practice. Their insights, experience, and generous participation have shaped the direction of the project at each stage.
Our work has been guided by the Community of Practice Design Guide (Cambridge et al., 2005), a framework for building inclusive and sustainable learning communities. This approach helped us take intentional steps to define shared goals, invite broad participation, and build a foundation rooted in collaboration and accessibility.
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To understand the needs and interests of our community, we began with a province-wide needs assessment, identifying over 50 organizations across education, accessibility, and community development. We followed this with a detailed survey that explored participants’ familiarity with UDL, topics of interest, preferred formats, and desired activities.
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To deepen this learning, we connected with educators, students, and community members who generously shared their insights. These conversations emphasized a strong need for peer support, practical tools, and opportunities to learn from lived experience.
Our Process
Where We Are Now
The UDL Community of Practice officially launched on May 30, 2025, during National Accessibility Week. The event brought together over 150 educators, students, and community members to begin co-creating the future of inclusive education in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. Participants joined us not only from across the province, but from across Canada, the United States, and as far as Hong Kong.
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As we move into our next chapter, the community is focused on:
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Growing our membership and welcoming new voices, both local and global;
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Developing shared resources and accessible tools for practice;
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Hosting collaborative learning opportunities, including workshops, panels, and peer-led discussions.
While our vision is grounded in Newfoundland and Labrador, we warmly welcome members from anywhere who are interested in UDL and inclusive education. We are committed to sustaining a flexible, responsive, and accessible network where diverse voices shape the future of teaching and learning.
Mission
Our mission is to increase inclusive learning environments for students in Newfoundland and Labrador by promoting the implementation of universal design for learning principles and guidelines in educational settings. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities, we empower our members to lead pedagogical innovation and create accessible learning environments that recognize the diverse needs of all learners, fostering growth and academic success.
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Vision
Our vision is to grow and sustain a vibrant community of practice consisting of educators, students, community members, and stakeholders united by a shared commitment to advancing Universal Design for Learning in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our community of practice is a dynamic hub where members engage in transformative learning experiences, share valuable insights, and co-create innovative solutions to expand inclusive practices throughout the province. Guided by our shared vision, we aspire to take the lead in fostering an educational landscape that is inclusive and accessible, empowering every learner to realize their full potential.