CA UDL Summit

Kevin Schaefer is the Director of Inclusive Practices/Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) project through the El Dorado COE. In this role, Kevin works to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities through the provision of high-quality leadership and support to the CDE and LEAs throughout the California. Additionally, he provides organizational support by promoting continuous improvement processes and alignment of initiatives that focus on creating environments of belonging that honor the diversity of learners. His varied background as a special education teacher, administrator, and national/state technical assistance provider has led to expertise in the areas of systems change.

🎉 Experience the Excitement of UDL with an Escape Room!
Join us at the CA UDL: Leading the Way Summit for an engaging and interactive UDL Escape Room! This unique event combines hands-on games and fun activities designed to deepen your understanding of Universal Design for Learning principles.
💡 What to Expect:

• Interactive Games: Solve puzzles, unlock challenges, and explore UDL strategies in a collaborative and creative setting.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow educators, thought leaders, and innovators in UDL.
• Engaging Atmosphere: Designed to inspire and energize, this escape room is perfect for all levels of experience with UDL.

🗓️ When & Where:
The escape room will be part of the CA UDL Summit, a premier event focused on advancing inclusive education.
Located in Greenwood 4
🌐 Learn More & Register:
Facilitated by the CA UDL Coalition Network. www.caudl.org UDL Escape Room
Let’s unlock the potential of every learner—together!

Participants will explore the intersectionality of disability and identity through an interactive experience, small and large group discussion, and deep reflection. Through this exploration, we will deepen our understanding of the role variability plays in creating spaces and places of inclusivity and belonging, and leave with tools to improve designing for all.
Session Resources

Join Sung and Fred for games and networking time.  We will share the CA UDL Coalition Network and UDLabs during this special session You deserve a little fun!  If you can't join our session, no worries! The Escape Room will be open throughout the Summit.
Session Resources
Presentation Slides

Click to watch
This 15-minute engaging session explores how general and special education teachers can collaborate through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to fulfill IDEA's true purpose—ensuring meaningful, individualized education in the least restrictive environment. We’ll delve into how UDL empowers educators to co-create flexible, inclusive learning environments that embrace the strengths and needs of all learners.

Drawing on the expertise of Katie Novak, Shelley Moore and Emily Mostovoy-Luna, participants will discover pathways to increase student engagement, voice, choice and begin to look at IEPs as a UDL practitioner and leading in IDEA’s vision of fostering authentic student agency and success.

Presented in their signature, fun style, complete with analogies and lively examples, this will be a memorable session that sticks with participants. This mini-session is ideal for educators looking to deepen collaboration between general and special education and create classrooms where every student thrives.

Session Resources
This session explores the vital role of belonging, joy, and play in early childhood education, specifically in pre-kindergarten through third grade (PK-3) classrooms. We will examine how creating a sense of belonging and fostering joyful learning experiences support the social-emotional development and academic success of young learners. Participants will learn practical strategies to create inclusive, emotionally supportive environments that empower students to thrive.
Play is a cornerstone of early learning, offering rich opportunities for children to explore, imagine, and develop critical cognitive and social skills. We’ll discuss how play-based learning can be seamlessly integrated into daily classroom routines, promoting student engagement, creativity, and a love for learning.
Throughout the session, participants will engage in activities that model ways to infuse joy and play into their own teaching practices. We’ll also examine the importance of culturally responsive teaching, ensuring every child feels seen and valued in the classroom. Participants will leave with tools and ideas to nurture a learning environment where all students experience a deep sense of belonging and where joy and play are integral to academic and personal growth.

There is no denying that every teacher and administrator in schools across the country has an already full plate. UDL does not need to be another thing added to the plate, rather how do we connect the dots on how UDL is a framework that is easily threaded between everything already on the plate. This thought provoking keynote will encourage us to think differently about how UDL benefits the whold child, supports enhanced teacher practices and is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of our roles as educators. Together we will be inspired, educated and motivated to rethink our concepts of how UDL can be implemented in our school buildings.

Session Resources

In this session, participants will explore strategies, tools, and best practices for increasing accessibility.  Accessibility is more than just compliance; it’s about creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Join us as we delve into the resources, materials, and tools for implementing Universal Design for Learning, Assistive Technology (AT), and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) and how they can be effectively executed across all levels of your district. Participants will learn practical approaches to remove barriers, adapt teaching methods, and provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Through real-world examples and collaborative discussions, participants will leave with actionable insights and a toolkit filled with resources for transforming their district into a more accessible and inclusive community. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or looking to deepen your district’s commitment to accessibility, this session will provide the tools and inspiration needed to unlock the full potential of every learner.

Session Resources

This presentation focuses on the vital role of inclusion in early childhood education through the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Participants will explore how UDL principles can create an inclusive environment that honors and celebrates the diverse abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles of every child.

We’ll examine practical strategies to ensure that all learners feel valued and engaged. By providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, educators can tailor their approaches to meet the varied needs of their students, including those with disabilities. Real-life examples will highlight how inclusive practices not only enhance learning outcomes for children with disabilities but also enrich the experiences of all learners, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

Interactive discussions and collaborative activities will empower educators to reflect on their current practices and envision innovative ways to embed inclusion into their classrooms. We’ll address common barriers to inclusion and share solutions that promote equity in early learning environments.
Session Resources

In this interactive session, we’ll dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines and challenge the misconception that barriers exist within learners rather than the design itself. Through engaging discussions and a hands-on version of the UDL Challenge Game, we’ll apply the guidelines to solve everyday problems—both in and beyond the classroom. Walk away with practical insights on how intentional design fosters inclusion, flexibility, and success for all learners.
 
Are you ready to rethink barriers and embrace the power of design? Join us!

This interactive, hands-on session emphasizes the transformative power of inclusive social-emotional practices through a universally-designed program implemented across four institutions. Using trauma-informed artmaking strategies, this program supports SEL for all students, particularly at-promise youth. Over twenty months of data collection demonstrate notable improvements in students' emotional well-being, showcasing the program’s effectiveness for diverse learners. No prior art experience or training is required for facilitators or students, ensuring that the program is universally accessible and easy to implement. Designed with non-arts teachers in mind, the strategies presented can be integrated into any learning environment, making them applicable to all subjects, not just fine arts. Participants will explore how universally-designed, trauma-informed artmaking fosters emotional resilience, mitigates trauma, and aligns with SEL competencies. Takeaways include a replicable framework, a list of trauma-informed strategies, and a sample lesson to help participants integrate these inclusive practices into their own institutions.

Click here for Acces Doc which includes slides, references, framework, sample lessons, and a curriculum flyer.