UDL Conversations Series

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. Starting Winter 2025, come chat with and learn from our community in fostering accessible and inclusive teaching and learning for all.

Upcoming Conversations

Join upcoming 30-minute conversations by registering for each session listed below. Visit the U of T Teaching and Learning Calendar for more teaching and learning events.

Rebecca Laposa and Melanie Jeffrey

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Assistant Professor, Human Biology and Indigenous Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science

Sheila Batacharya

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy, UTM

Douglas Eacho

Assistant Professor, Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science

UDL Express: SLIDE into Accessibility in Summer 2025

Join us this summer for UDL Express: SLIDE into Accessibility, a quick and practical series designed to help you make your course materials more accessible and inclusive. In this five-part Zoom series, we’ll focus on the most impactful, easy-to-implement accessibility fixes using the SLIDE framework—Styles, Links, Images, Design, and Evaluation. Each 30-minute session includes a 10-minute demo, followed by time to apply what you’ve learned with guidance and support. Whether you’re working in Word, PowerPoint, or your Quercus course, these small but powerful changes can make a big difference for all your learners.

Styles

Learn how to use built-in styles and headings to improve navigation and structure

Links

Make hyperlinks clear and meaningful for all users

Images

Add effective alt text and avoid common image accessibility barriers

Design

Apply colour and font choices that improve readability and reduce cognitive load

Evaluation

Use built-in accessibility checkers and review tools to assess and improve your content

Past Conversations

Danielle Bentley

Mar. 20 (12:30 pm)

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Laura McKinley

Feb. 27 (12:30 pm)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Accessible Pedagogy Coordinator, Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy, UTM

Cheryl Lepard

Feb. 3 (1:30 pm)

Educational Developer, Universal Design for Learning, Centre for Teaching and Learning, UTSC

Chris Sabatinos

Jan. 14 (1:30 pm)

Web Accessibility Specialist, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Office, St. George

Monitor-Side Chats: UDL-ing in Winter 2024

Jan. 26 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 7: Recruiting Interest (Accessing Engagement)
Feb. 2 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 1: Perception (Accessing Representation)
Feb. 9 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 4: Physical action (Accessing Action and Expression)
Feb. 16 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 8: Sustaining Effort and Persistence (Building Engagement)
Feb. 23 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 2: Language and Symbols (Building Representation)
Mar. 1 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 5: Expression and Communication (Building Action and Expression)
Mar. 8 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 9: Self Regulation (Internalizing Engagement)
Mar. 15 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 3: Comprehension (Internalizing Representation)
Mar. 22 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): UDL Guideline 6: Executive Functions (Internalizing Action and Expression)
Apri. 12 (1 pm to 2 pm ET): Explore Proposed Updates for UDL Guidelines 3.0