Events

In this UDL Community of Practice seminar, Ash Gosse (she/her) and Jessica Lee-Middleman (she/her) from Stella’s Circle explore how Universal Design for Learning can cultivate connection, safety, and empowerment in non-traditional learning environments. Drawing on their work in Adult Basic Education and community-based instruction, they highlight how UDL supports learners with diverse lived experiences, including newcomers, multilingual learners, adults returning to school, and students navigating poverty, trauma, and systemic barriers. Topics include: • UDL principles in community and ABE learning settings • Understanding learner diversity: language, culture, health, trauma, and lived experience • Designing for safety, trust, and empowerment • Practical UDL strategies for engagement, representation, and action/expression • Tools for lesson planning, reflection, and inclusive classroom design Learn more about the UDL Community of Practice NL and future events: www.udlcopnl.ca/events

In this UDL Community of Practice seminar, Logan St. Croix (he/they) from Trans Support NL explores how Universal Design for Learning can support trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse learners. Together, we examine how gender identity and expression shape learning, review recent data on gender diversity in Newfoundland and Labrador, and consider practical UDL strategies to design for belonging, not just access. Topics include: • Understanding gender beyond the binary • Social and cultural expectations in learning spaces • NL and Canadian gender diversity data • UDL-aligned strategies for inclusive engagement, representation, and expression Learn more about the UDL CoP and future events: www.udlcopnl.ca/events

Facilitated by Samantha Chang and Michal Kasprzak at the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation at the University of Toronto, we explore the three pillars of the UDL Guidelines 3.0: Engagement (the why of learning), Representation (the what of learning), and Action & Expression (the how of learning). Shifting the focus from “Universal” to “You,” the session highlights how inclusive design begins with your learners, your context, and your teaching goals. Together, we considered at how methods, materials, and environments intersect with learner variability, and how scaffolding through access, support, and executive function can reduce barriers. Using the Plus-or-Minus-One approach, you’ll discover how making one small, intentional change can have a big impact.

In Part 2 of the Universal Design for Learning Community of Practice Newfoundland and Labrador (UDL CoP NL) Launch Event, this panel brings together voices from across sectors to discuss Universal Design for Learning in practice. Featuring perspectives from student services, public education, community organizations, and post-secondary students, the panel explores how UDL principles are being applied across learning environments, both inside and outside the classroom. Panelists reflect on the limitations of accommodation-focused approaches, the importance of proactive design, and the ripple effects of UDL in supporting access, belonging, and success. Panelists: Jason Geary (he/him) — Manager, Blundon Centre, Memorial University Daniel Hepditch (he/they) — Education Outreach Coordinator, Thrive Stephen Sharpe (he/him) — Science Teacher, MacDonald Drive Jr. High, St. John’s, NL Desiree Nicholl (she/her) — Social Work Student, Memorial University Tyler Matthews (he/him) — Social Work Student, Memorial University Throughout the conversation, panelists share practical insights on making small, meaningful changes that contribute to larger cultural shifts toward more inclusive education. 💡 Subscribe for future sessions and upcoming UDL CoP NL activities! #UDL #UniversalDesignForLearning #Accessibility #InclusiveEducation #HigherEd #K12Education #CommunityEducation #UDLCoPNL #MemorialUniversity #Equity #Belonging #StudentSuccess #DisabilityInclusion

Welcome to Part 1 of the official launch of the Universal Design for Learning Community of Practice Newfoundland and Labrador (UDL CoP NL). In this presentation, Darla Benton Kearney, Teaching & Learning Consultant for Universal Design for Learning at Mohawk College, shares lessons from nearly a decade of UDL implementation at an institutional level. She discusses how Mohawk’s UDL journey has evolved across multiple phases — from early resource development and faculty engagement to embedding UDL in policies, program design, and professional development. Darla highlights how the college shifted its focus beyond accessibility toward equity, diversity, and inclusion, while also acknowledging challenges such as systemic and attitudinal barriers. She offers practical insights on building institutional capacity, the importance of a team-based approach, and the ongoing work to further integrate UDL, including Indigenous-focused projects and national collaborations. 💡 Subscribe for more sessions from the UDL CoP NL, including the panel discussion and sessions! #UDL #UniversalDesignForLearning #Accessibility #InclusiveEducation #HigherEd #UDLCoPNL #MemorialUniversity #MohawkCollege