UDL Programming
Explore UDL-focused programming that supports accessible, flexible, and inclusive teaching across the University of Toronto.
CTSI UDL Programming
CTSI offers a range of UDL-focused programs that support instructors in designing accessible, flexible, and inclusive learning experiences. Explore our signature series below. For additional events, visit the U of T Teaching and Learning Calendar.
A monthly series that invites participants to try small, practical changes in their own contexts to make teaching more flexible, accessible, and inclusive.
A summer series that introduce simple ways to make course materials more accessible and inclusive. Each session uses the SLIDE framework to guide small, evidence-informed design choices that enhance digital content for learners.
UDL workshops for departments and divisions. CTSI offers one-hour webinars and two-hour interactive sessions focused on supporting accessible and inclusive learning.
Tri-Campus UDL-Related Programming
Across U of T, various offices and units offer programming that supports accessible, inclusive, and flexible teaching. Explore current UDL-related sessions below.
Note: (M) = Monday, (T) = Tuesday, (W) = Wednesday, (R) = Thursday, (F) = Friday
January 16 (F): UDL in Practice: Designing for Access
Friday, January 16, from 11:30 am to 12 pm, online
Discuss with peers how to lower barriers to entry in your courses and exchange quick, practical approaches like captioning, syllabus readability, and flexible participation options.
UDL in Practice is a monthly professional learning series hosted by the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI). Designed for faculty and instructors who want to make small, meaningful shifts in their teaching, the series focuses on strategies drawn from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that promote flexibility, accessibility, and inclusion.
Each 30‑minute virtual session highlights one dimension of UDL in course design—such as environments, materials, methods, access, support, and executive function.
Here’s what to expect:
- Before the session: Participants receive a short resource package (also posted on our UDL in Practice webpage), including examples and a prompt to try one small change in their course.
- During the session: Join a 30-minute facilitated discussion focused on idea-sharing, practical examples, and collaborative brainstorming. Optional time is available afterward for deeper exploration and questions with CTSI educational developers.
- After the session: Participants are invited to submit a brief reflection on what they implemented and what they noticed.
Sessions are not recorded, as the 30‑minute format is designed for community-based, real-time discussion and strategy sharing. The emphasis is on learning together in the moment, supported by materials shared in advance.
Attend one or attend them all—each session stands on its own while building toward a broader understanding of inclusive course design.
Learning Outcomes
By joining the series, participants will be able to:
- Identify barriers in course design and learner supports.
Apply targeted UDL strategies to increase accessibility, inclusivity, and learner agency. - Reflect on the impact of course design changes and make informed adaptations.
- Contribute to a campus‑wide culture of inclusive and equity‑minded teaching.
Register for January 16 (F): UDL in Practice: Designing for Access
February 3 (T): AODA Office: Accessible Digital Ecosystems for IT Leaders
Tuesday, February 3, from 1 pm to 3 pm, online
This session will provide IT leaders with key strategies to create and maintain accessible and inclusive working environments. Together, we will identify the critical elements of digital ecosystems that support the design of barrier-free systems and the creation of accessible content. By delving into strategies for procuring accessible technologies and the infrastructure that supports accessible digital ecosystems, we will identify concrete actions IT leaders can take to ensure the University’s systems and processes are accessible. We will also explore ways to support team members in developing the competencies necessary to meet digital accessibility design standards.
Register for February 3 (T): AODA Office: Accessible Digital Ecosystems for IT Leaders
February 6 (F): UDL Conversation with Sophia Bello
Friday, February 6, from 1:30 pm to 2 pm, online
Sophia Bello, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of French, Faculty of Arts & Science
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that leverages the values of accessibility and inclusion in designing accessible, inclusive, and usable methods, materials, and environments that reduce learning barriers and welcome learner variability.
The UDL Conversations Series highlights practices and considerations from U of T staff and instructors. Come chat with and learn from our community in fostering accessible and inclusive teaching and learning for all.
Register for February 6 (F): UDL Conversation with Sophia Bello
February 11 (W): AODA Office: Accessible Content Fundamentals
Wednesday, February 11, from 1 pm to 3 pm, online
This session focuses on accessible content creation practices. Techniques for conceptualizing, creating and maintaining accessible documents as well as how to build these into department-wide processes will be discussed. A heavy emphasis is placed on why those techniques are important, and the ramifications of formatting decisions.
Register for February 11 (W): AODA Office: Accessible Content Fundamentals
February 13 (F): UDL in Practice: Designing for Support
Friday, February 13, from 11:30 am to 12 pm, online
Share examples of how to help students persist and communicate, and co‑develop strategies such as rubrics, feedback checkpoints, and peer supports.
UDL in Practice is a monthly professional learning series hosted by the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI). Designed for faculty and instructors who want to make small, meaningful shifts in their teaching, the series focuses on strategies drawn from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that promote flexibility, accessibility, and inclusion.
Each 30‑minute virtual session highlights one dimension of UDL in course design—such as environments, materials, methods, access, support, and executive function.
Here’s what to expect:
- Before the session: Participants receive a short resource package (also posted on our UDL in Practice webpage), including examples and a prompt to try one small change in their course.
- During the session: Join a 30-minute facilitated discussion focused on idea-sharing, practical examples, and collaborative brainstorming. Optional time is available afterward for deeper exploration and questions with CTSI educational developers.
- After the session: Participants are invited to submit a brief reflection on what they implemented and what they noticed.
Sessions are not recorded, as the 30‑minute format is designed for community-based, real-time discussion and strategy sharing. The emphasis is on learning together in the moment, supported by materials shared in advance.
Attend one or attend them all—each session stands on its own while building toward a broader understanding of inclusive course design.
Learning Outcomes
By joining the series, participants will be able to:
- Identify barriers in course design and learner supports.
Apply targeted UDL strategies to increase accessibility, inclusivity, and learner agency. - Reflect on the impact of course design changes and make informed adaptations.
- Contribute to a campus‑wide culture of inclusive and equity‑minded teaching.
Register for February 13 (F): UDL in Practice: Designing for Support
February 17 (T): AODA Office: Accessible People Leadership
Tuesday, February 17, from 10 am to 12 pm, online
This session will provide managers and supervisors with key strategies to create and maintain accessible and inclusive working environments. Together, we will identify the critical competencies people leaders need to make their teams feel welcome, a sense of belonging and comfortable to contribute fully. Through the exploration of concepts like universal design, emerging perspectives like neurodiversity, and ideas from disability inclusion, participants will leave the session feeling confident they can foster inclusive working environments where excellence flourishes.
Register for February 17 (T): AODA Office: Accessible People Leadership
February 25 (W): AODA Office: Web Accessibility for Designers and Developers
Wednesday, February 25, from 9 am to 12 pm, online
This session builds upon the Content Accessibility Fundamentals course to give designers and developers a more complete understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, (WCAG). Beginning with the WCAG 2.0 criteria required under by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards, we will explore current interpretations, how to meet them and strategies to deepen your understanding of web accessibility principles. The class will engage in practical discussion about the technical requirements with demonstrations and examples provided by the instructor, and/or examples offered by the class. Testing methodologies and compliance tools will be discussed.
Register for February 25 (W): AODA Office: Web Accessibility for Designers and Developers
March 2 (M): UDL Conversation with Caylen Heckel
Monday, March 2, from 2:30 pm to 3 pm, online
Caylen Heckel, Assistant Professor, Art History, Department of Visual Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that leverages the values of accessibility and inclusion in designing accessible, inclusive, and usable methods, materials, and environments that reduce learning barriers and welcome learner variability.
The UDL Conversations Series highlights practices and considerations from U of T staff and instructors. Come chat with and learn from our community in fostering accessible and inclusive teaching and learning for all.
Register for March 2 (M): UDL Conversation with Caylen Heckel
March 13 (F): UDL in Practice: Designing for Executive Function
Friday, March 13, from 11:30 am to 12 pm, online
Brainstorm approaches to support students in planning, organizing, and following through, and leave with new strategies like checklists, weekly structures, or reflection steps.
UDL in Practice is a monthly professional learning series hosted by the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI). Designed for faculty and instructors who want to make small, meaningful shifts in their teaching, the series focuses on strategies drawn from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that promote flexibility, accessibility, and inclusion.
Each 30‑minute virtual session highlights one dimension of UDL in course design—such as environments, materials, methods, access, support, and executive function.
Here’s what to expect:
- Before the session: Participants receive a short resource package (also posted on our UDL in Practice webpage), including examples and a prompt to try one small change in their course.
- During the session: Join a 30-minute facilitated discussion focused on idea-sharing, practical examples, and collaborative brainstorming. Optional time is available afterward for deeper exploration and questions with CTSI educational developers.
- After the session: Participants are invited to submit a brief reflection on what they implemented and what they noticed.
Sessions are not recorded, as the 30‑minute format is designed for community-based, real-time discussion and strategy sharing. The emphasis is on learning together in the moment, supported by materials shared in advance.
Attend one or attend them all—each session stands on its own while building toward a broader understanding of inclusive course design.
Learning Outcomes
By joining the series, participants will be able to:
- Identify barriers in course design and learner supports.
Apply targeted UDL strategies to increase accessibility, inclusivity, and learner agency. - Reflect on the impact of course design changes and make informed adaptations.
- Contribute to a campus‑wide culture of inclusive and equity‑minded teaching.
Register for March 13 (F): UDL in Practice: Designing for Executive Function
April 1 (W): UDL Conversation with Adriana Grimaldi
Wednesday, April 1, from 11:30 am to 12 pm, online
Adriana Grimaldi, Acting Senior Educational Developer, RGASC, Sessional Lecturer, Italian Studies and Education Studies, Department of Language Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that leverages the values of accessibility and inclusion in designing accessible, inclusive, and usable methods, materials, and environments that reduce learning barriers and welcome learner variability.
The UDL Conversations Series highlights practices and considerations from U of T staff and instructors. Come chat with and learn from our community in fostering accessible and inclusive teaching and learning for all.
Register for April 1 (W): UDL Conversation with Adriana Grimaldi
April 16 (R): AODA Office: Accessible Digital Ecosystems for IT Leaders
April 20 (M): AODA Office: Accessible People Leadership
Monday, April 20, from 1 pm to 3 pm, online
This session will provide managers and supervisors with key strategies to create and maintain accessible and inclusive working environments. Together, we will identify the critical competencies people leaders need to make their teams feel welcome, a sense of belonging and comfortable to contribute fully. Through the exploration of concepts like universal design, emerging perspectives like neurodiversity, and ideas from disability inclusion, participants will leave the session feeling confident they can foster inclusive working environments where excellence flourishes.
Register for April 20 (M): AODA Office: Accessible People Leadership
June 4 (R) and 5 (F): Course Design Institute
Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5, in person
This two-day Course Design Institute (CDI), offered jointly by the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI) and the Centre for Faculty Development (CFD) in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, introduces frameworks and practical strategies to offer more inclusive, accessible, and flexible learning opportunities to your students using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Learn more about the Course Design Institute. Applications for 2026 will open on January 12, 2026.
Past CTSI UDL Webinars
Expand each accordion panel below to review past webinar content. Check out recordings and summaries from UDL Conversations and UDL Express, which introduced the SLIDE framework and highlighted small, practical strategies for making course materials more accessible and inclusive. Visit the Past CTSI Workshop Recordings page for more materials from the CTSI archives.
Equity Roundtable: Universal Design for Learning: Engaging All of Your Students
Join Ben Poynton, AODA Officer, U of T and Cristina D’Amico, Faculty Liaison Coordinator, Graduate Student Development & TA Training for a roundtable on the opportunities and affordances of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a set of principles for curriculum development and engagement that strives to give all students equal opportunities to learn.
Exploring Captioning and Transcription Tools
In this webinar, we will explore the various options for generating captions and transcripts for rich media-based content (Audio/Video).
Interactive Lecturing and Active Learning
To lecture or not to lecture is not the question. In this webinar, we will provide tips and strategies for designing interactive lectures and incorporating active learning activities that support student learning. We will model various practices that you can incorporate into your courses and diverse learning environments. This webinar will highlight how you can use Quercus and the Academic Toolbox to support the implementation of these interactive lecturing and active learning strategies.
UDL Express: SLIDE into Document Accessibility
UDL Express offers a quick, practical way to make course materials more accessible and inclusive. The series draws on the SLIDE framework—Styles, Links, Images, Design, and Evaluation—developed by Dr. Luis Pérez (CAST) as a guide to accessibility in digital materials. Whether you’re creating in Word, PowerPoint, or Quercus, small, evidence-informed changes add up to meaningful improvements for learners.
Unveiling the New Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines 3.0: Unlocking Inclusive Learning
Join CTSI in unveiling the UDL guidelines 3.0 and considerations for implementing UDL and unlocking inclusive learning in higher education.
What’s my role in accommodating students with disabilities?
In this event, Accessibility Services will address common concerns around instructors’ work with accommodating students in their classes.
U Design Learning | Teaching with Universal Design for Learning at U of T