2019 UDL-IRN International Summit

Within the principle of multiple means of engagement lies three critically important checkpoints for student well-being– minimizing threats and distractions, foster collaboration and community, and facilitate personal coping skills and strategies. These checkpoints get at the heart of this principle – students cannot be engaged in learning if they do not feel safe, know who they are as learners, know how to work collaboratively with others, and have skills for coping with emotional and mental health challenges. This interactive pre-conference session will introduce participants to universally designed social and emotional learning and mental health programs involving mental health literacy, dialectical behaviour therapy skills, and mindfulness practices that fulfill this principle and directly address these checkpoints. Participants will view videos of classroom implementation, will be provided with resources, and will participate in some of the activities!

Are you new to UDL? Join us for an introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). During this pre-conference, leaders from the UDL-IRN and CAST will team up to provide participants with an overview of UDL. We’ll explore the UDL principles, guidelines, and the underlying research. We'll discuss how educators are intentionally designing learning opportunities to reduce barriers and meet the needs of diverse learners.