UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Luis Perez, disability and digital inclusion lead for CAST (the Center for Applied Special Technology), will lead sessions on accessibility and Universal Design for Learning on Wednesday, Dec. 4. These sessions are part of Penn State University Libraries' Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) Dreamery Speaker Series, in partnership with Penn State Accessibility.
Perez will present “Essential for Some, Helpful for All: Designing for Inclusion with Universal Design for Learning” from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at the Dreamery, located on the ground floor of Shields Building on Penn State’s University Park campus. As a disabled person/person with a disability, Perez said he will share how he experienced firsthand the power of Universal Design for Learning and accessible educational materials as tools for empowerment that level the playing field and allow every learner to realize their full potential.
In addition to sharing his personal journey as a learner who has benefited from advancements in technology, Perez will share some insights from the learning sciences that challenge all educators to think differently about ability and disability. These insights will include the latest updates to the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines, pioneered at CAST, as a framework for designing barrier-free learning experiences.
At noon, attendees are invited to join Perez for lunch at the Dreamery to learn about his experience as an avid photographer whose work has been featured in Better Photography magazine, Business Insider, the New York Times Bits Blog and the Sydney Morning Herald.
From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Perez will facilitate a design workshop, “SLIDE into Accessibility: Five Best Practices for Getting Started.” Following the keynote on accessibility as a foundational component of "Universal Design for Learning," this interactive session will provide an entry point into the creation of accessible content.
The workshop is especially for those who are new to this topic or wish to have more hands-on practice with implementing accessibility best practices using tools such as Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace. Participants will learn about five practices that can have a significant impact on the learner experience for all students, especially those who rely on assistive technology for their access to the curriculum.
The day will conclude with an informal fireside chat with Perez from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. to explore how UDL principles can create inclusive, flexible and student-centered learning environments through curriculum design, assessments, classroom materials and student interactions. Participants will gain insights, tips and resources needed for effective UDL implementation while addressing challenges and sharing thoughtful strategies to enhance inclusivity.
In-person attendance at these sessions, held in the Dreamery on the ground floor of Shields Building, is encouraged. Alternatively, a virtual option will be available for Penn State attendees across all campuses and those working or studying remotely.
Visit the Dreamery Speaker Series webpage to learn more and register for the sessions.