Resources on issues of accessibility and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Our last few articles have introduced the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). In this article, we explore how information technology can help educators use UDL in their physical or digital classrooms.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has required more online learning, teachers at all levels have been finding new ways to:
Multiple means of engagement is one of the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teachers and other educators can use multiple means of engagement to make their lessons accessible to a wide variety of learners.
Multiple means of engagement refers to the need to motivate learners in diverse ways. Teachers use this principle when they find more than one way to interest students in the concepts they are learning about.
Multiple means of action or expression is one of the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teachers and other educators can use multiple means of action or expression to make their lessons accessible to a wide variety of learners.
Multiple means of action or expression refers to offering students diverse ways of expressing what they have learned. Teachers use this principle when they find more than one way to assess the knowledge students have gained.
Multiple means of representation is one of the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teachers and other educators can use multiple means of representation to make their lessons accessible to a wide variety of learners.
Multiple means of representation refers to presenting information in multiple ways. Teachers use this principle when they find more than one way to explain a concept or provide information.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the many barriers that already exist in the Ontario education system for students with disabilities. AODA education standards could prevent and remove these barriers, and ensure that all Ontarians receive a high-quality education. For instance, education standards could require policies of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in school boards, colleges, and universities. UDL policies can help teachers and other classroom professionals make lessons accessible for learners with disabilities while also enhancing the learning experience for their whole class.
