How to Sneak UDL into the Campus Mindset

Leyna Bencomo, Assistive Technology Specialist Community College of Denver

Background

Lack of AwarenessUmbrella OrganizationNo Previous AT StaffNew Management

Steps Taken

Prove Myself• Do my job! Get students to prove it for me• Present at division meeting

CIS101 Class

• Use guest speakers • Invite staff• Allow SWD’s to present.

Bulletin Boards

• Show UDL Concepts• Use pictures• Advertise UDL classes

UD?

Assistive Tech Lab

• Show UDL Concepts• Advertise UDL classes

Meet with Department Chair

• Approving curriculum• Take advantage of an audience

with the decision makers• Offer to teach instructors in

department

Classes for Lab Tutors

• Create champions• Improve their job skills

Write to Individual InstructorsChanges to Syllabus

Put UDL on the Website• Faculty Resources• Did You Know?

Work on a UDL Committee• Department Advice

Open House/Festivals

HANDS ON Everyone!• Create hands-on displays.

Dragon Naturally SpeakingImpress with Ease

Universal AssistanceRead & Write Gold

Familiarization of EquipmentBraille Display

Teaching Techniques

The U.S. Census Bureau states persons with disabilities who are not institutionalized constitute over 12% of our population as of 2011.

UDL can assist learning for returning military vets, aging population, ESL students.

Explain How Many are Affected

Show the Benefits• Ease in development of materials• Avoid the need for DS intervention• Quick changes to existing materials• Enhances image with students

Keep it Simple• Make it hands-on • Provide cheat-sheets

Use Glitter!• Show off the toys• Blanket the campus!

Show the BeautyUniversal Design vs. Retrofitting

Progress Made

A Change in MindsetBaby steps

Future Plans• Website revamp with IT• Online UDL course• Multi-campus work

How to Sneak UDL into the Campus Mindset

Community College of Denver, Leyna Bencomoleyna.bencomo@ccd.edu, (303) 556-3567