A Beginners Guide to Universal Design and Modifications in the Classroom: A Professional Development Activity for All

Monday 2:30pm
Oral Session Part of Monday Oral Session B

Authors

Lauren Neitzke Adamo, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Jaime Sarcona, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Daana Kamal, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Christina Bifulco, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
The Classroom Inclusivity Series was created by the Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research and the University Equity and Inclusion Office with the goal of increasing the understanding and use of well-rounded inclusive teaching practices across all classroom settings at Rutgers University. Participation entails attendance in virtual workshops, the completion of personal reflections, and/or creation of shared inclusive content across three main areas of competency. The authors present an activity developed through this program that can be easily adapted across educational settings (K-12, Higher Education, professional development programs, etc.) and taught in either a virtual or in-person setting. This program provides a structured activity and discussion that allows participants to explore concepts such as accommodations, modifications, and universal design in the classroom setting at an introductory level. The aim of this program is not to teach all there is to know about classroom accommodations and modifications, rather it is meant to act as a starting point that will allow participants to reflect on how they can begin to incorporate the ideas into their classroom. Content was created with the assistance of the Office of Disability at Rutgers University and through consultation with students who identify with various disability groups. All materials and teaching guides are available online and through request to the primary author.