AODA Resources

Many separate accessibility standards development processes exist in Canada. For example, Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia all have laws that mandate creation of provincial accessibility standards. In addition, the Accessible Canada Act mandates accessibility standards that apply to organizations under federal jurisdiction. However, the government of Canada intends to coordinate federal and provincial accessibility laws. Moreover, the third review of the AODA recommends that the Ontario government should support this aim by aligning its accessibility law, the AODA, with the laws of other provinces and the country. If the governments work together to make these laws more similar, the AODA standards development process may change to align with laws in other places across the country. In this article, we will explore federal standards for accessibility in the built environment.

Federal Standards for Accessibility in the Built Environment. Read full article.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) means finding ways to teach that benefit the widest variety of learners. Moreover, UDL means designing learning goals, materials, and activities in ways that make them accessible to learners with a variety of abilities. Furthermore, two (2) Education Standards Development Committees recommend UDL as an important part of accessibility in the future education standards. For instance, the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) Education Standards Development Committee recommends curriculum based on UDL and differentiated instruction. Likewise, the Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committee recommends college and university teaching that uses UDL best practices. As a result, teachers and other educators should learn best practices for implementing universal design for learning in their classrooms.

Implementing Universal Design for Learning. Read full article.

Cultivating empathy and restorative practices is a universal design for learning (UDL) guideline that supports multiple means of engagement. The UDL guidelines were developed by an organization called CAST. This article will explore how teachers and other educators can help learners empathize and communicate with peers who have different perspectives.

Cultivating Empathy and Restorative Practices in Universal Design for Learning. Read full article.

Promoting individual and collective reflection is a universal design for learning (UDL) guideline that supports multiple means of engagement. The UDL guidelines were developed by an organization called CAST. This article will explore how teachers and other educators can help learners recognize and regulate their emotional responses to personal and group learning.

Promoting Individual and Collective Reflection in Universal Design for Learning. Read full article.

developing awareness of self and others is a universal design for learning (UDL) guideline that supports multiple means of engagement. The UDL guidelines were developed by an organization called CAST. This article will explore how teachers and other educators can help learners develop strategies to cope with their varying emotional responses to learning challenges.

Developing Awareness of Self and Others in Universal Design for Learning. Read full article.