PCOE_OpenAccess

✨ Fact Friday: Yolo County Inclusion Initiative Day 3 was Impactful! ✨ Did you know that Universal Design for Learning helps teams design learning experiences that give students multiple ways to show what they know? During Day 3 of the Yolo County Inclusion Initiative, teams explored the UDL Principle of Action and Expression, learned more about UDL Lesson Design, and began developing UDL Implementation Plans for next year. It was a meaningful day of reflection, collaboration, and planning as teams worked together to strengthen inclusive practices and create more accessible learning environments for all students. We are grateful for the dedication of everyone who attended and look forward to continuing this important work next year! @YoloCOE @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

LUDIA Beta Testing is Here! LUDIA is asking for your feedback, and Beta Testing officially begins this Monday. What is LUDIA? LUDIA is an AI-powered tool designed to help educators create inclusive and engaging learning environments. It provides personalized, context-specific strategies to minimize learning barriers and empower all learners to achieve their full potential. Want early access? Here’s how to join: 📩 bit.ly/LUDIACONSENT Learn more about LUDIA at Open Access: openaccess-ca.org/ludia @BStarkUDL4All @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

✨ Tip Tuesday: Design for Variability with the 3-Read Protocol The 3-Read Protocol (via Edutopia) is a simple way to make complex tasks more accessible by breaking them into clear, intentional steps: 1st Read: What’s happening in the situation? (No numbers—just the story) 2nd Read: What quantities and details matter? (Numbers, units, relationships) 3rd Read: What mathematical questions could we ask? (Make sense of the question) This strategy proactively reduces barriers by: ✔️ Clarifying language ✔️ Breaking information into chunks ✔️ Offering a clear structure for making meaning 💡 Watch the video from Edutopia to learn more: youtu.be/qoIh13VzwVc?si… @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

✨FACT FRIDAY: This Blog is Worth the Click!✨ There’s a moment many educators recognize. The first time a student uses their AAC system to express a preference, set a boundary, or say, “I don’t like this.” That moment changes everything. In our latest Open Access blog, we explore how supporting AAC users goes far beyond tools or devices. It’s about building environments where communication is valued, supported, and sustained across a lifetime. From self-advocacy and real-world communication to transition planning and community support, this blog highlights how we can create the conditions for students to not only participate, but truly be heard. Because communication is not just a school-based service. It’s a lifelong need. Read the full blog: openaccess-ca.org/post/their-voi… @humboldtcoe @placer_coe @cadepted @CCEECA

🌟Tip Tuesday: Goal Setting🌟 Looking to set learning goals with your students, while building learner agency and engagement? Check out this simple, powerful strategy from 3rd grade teacher Faith Gittens at Redwood Preparatory Charter, one of our UDL Showcase Sites in Fortuna, CA! She begins by identifying two shared writing goals for the whole class. Together, students and teacher sign the goals, creating a sense of collective commitment and belonging. Then, students choose from three additional goals based on their own interests and needs, and even request to work toward multiple goals because they’re so motivated! This is UDL in action: ✔️ Clear goals and expectations ✔️ Built-in choice and autonomy ✔️ Increased engagement through ownership Sometimes, small shifts create big impact. Explore more strategies and resources at Open Access: openaccess-ca.org @humboldtcoe @placer_coe @cadepted @CCEECA

🌟 New Podcast Highlight: Making Meaning for ALL 🌟 “So I have a question of the day. I have a weekly sentence starter. So if the students are having difficulty maybe joining in conversations, we have a sentence starter that might say, "I think", or "This reminds me of this", and it's really have helped to open up discussion time for everyone.” Simple shifts can create powerful access. In this episode of UDL Unlocked, Lori Head, a STEAM Lab teacher from Humboldt County, California, shares how intentional routines like sentence starters can open up discussion for every learner. This strategy shows how intentional design can: ✅ Support students who struggle to enter conversations ✅ Build confidence and voice ✅ Open up meaningful discussion for every learner When we provide structured ways to engage, we’re not just supporting participation. We’re expanding who gets to be heard. Want more practical, classroom-ready strategies like this? Listen to the full episode and see how these ideas come to life in real classrooms: openaccess-ca.org/podcast/episod… Tune in now and start designing for access, engagement, and belonging. @humboldtcoe @placer_coe @cadepted @CCEECA

🌟 It’s a FACT: It is time to register for CONNECT & ACCESS 🌟 Don’t miss this opportunity next week! Open Access invites you to our Monthly Roundtable Discussions with members of California’s Statewide System of Support. These sessions bring together leaders from across the state to share real-world strategies that help districts address key problems of practice. Date: April 23, 2026 Discussion Topic: How do we develop and implement IEPs that are student-centered, aligned to grade-level standards, and designed to improve meaningful outcomes? Time: 12:00–1:00 PM PST Location: Zoom Come ready to connect, share, and learn with colleagues dedicated to strengthening school systems and improving outcomes for all learners. Upcoming Dates & Topics: May 28, 2026 – Inclusive Educational Environments & Preschool REGISTER HERE: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… Let’s collaborate, share, and strengthen supports for all learners across California. @humboldtcoe @placer_coe @CADeptEd @CCEECA

📣 Tip Tuesday: Inclusive Learning Circle Tomorrow!! Topic: AT for Executive Function When: Monthly on Zoom | 3:00–4:00 PM PT Cost: FREE Why join? ✅ Discover practical, ready-to-use strategies ✅ Dive into UDL, AT, and AAC in real-world settings ✅ Attend all sessions and earn 9 hours of continuing professional development through CSU Sacramento This is your space to learn, share, and grow. 🔗 Register today to reserve your spot! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist… @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

✨ Fact Friday: Designing for Belonging in Higher Education ✨ The California Center for Inclusive College (CCIC) invites you to join an upcoming professional learning webinar series: 🎓 Designing for Belonging: Inclusive Practices in Higher Education Session 1 – April 10, 2026 Ableism & Mindset Learn strategies to address ableism on campus and cultivate inclusive mindsets with California’s Supporting Innovative Practices (SIP) project. Session 2 – April 24, 2026 Disability Awareness Join Diana Pastora Carson (San Diego State faculty & Beyond Awareness podcaster) as she explores disability awareness and creating conditions that support neurodiverse students. Session 3 – May 8, 2026 Inclusive Instructional Practices Discover simple, game‑changing instructional practices with Open Access, CA Resource Lead. Time: 12:00–1:30 PM (Virtual) Fact: Small, intentional shifts in mindset and instruction can have a powerful impact on access, equity, and student success. Register today to reserve your spot! bit.ly/4bjqlUJ @humboldtcoe @placer_coe @cadepted @CCEECA

🌟 Open Access at SELPA ADR Conference 2026 🌟 The Power of Partnership: Shaping Inclusive Solutions for Every Student We were proud to present alongside our Statewide System of Support Partners, High Quality IEPs, Project MuSE, and Pathways to Partnership, at the SELPA ADR Conference 2026. Breaking down barriers in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process starts with teamwork and shared understanding. When we partner intentionally, we create stronger systems, more inclusive practices, and better outcomes for every student. Together, we can overcome barriers and build meaningful partnerships. Check out this resource to support your work: drive.google.com/file/d/1PEqXNe… @el_swd @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

📣 Call for Presenters: CA UDL Leading the Way December 2026 Do you have a story, strategy, or practice that’s making learning more accessible for all students? Now is your opportunity to share your impact and lead the way. Why present? ✅ Connect with educators across California ✅ Share your expertise and real-world practices ✅ Contribute to more inclusive, accessible learning environments We’re looking for sessions that move beyond ideas and into practical application. We hope that you can share what works, how it works, and how others can do it too. Submit your proposal today docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… Deadline: June 12, 2026 Conference Dates: December 7–8, 2026 Let your work inspire others. Let your voice shape what’s possible. @Lessoncast @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

✨TIP TUESDAY: Listen, Learn, and Make Meaning for ALL ✨ Looking for a powerful, practical way to increase access and engagement for every learner? Tune in to the latest episode of UDL Unlocked featuring Lori Head, STEAM Lab teacher and UDL Showcase Site educator. This episode dives into the UDL Consideration 3.3: Cultivate multiple ways of knowing and making meaning. Key takeaway: Understanding doesn’t happen through a single pathway. When learners engage with content through images, movement, discussion, writing, and hands-on experiences, they connect more deeply and meaningfully. What you’ll learn: 💥Simple routines that increase engagement and ownership 💥How to design lessons that reach all learners 💥Real classroom strategies you can apply immediately When we design with variability in mind, we create classrooms where every learner can thrive. Start small. Try one new strategy. Watch what happens. Listen now and start making meaning for ALL: openaccess-ca.org/podcast/episod… @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

✨ Day Two: Marin Inclusion Academy ✨ Educators came together with a shared commitment to strengthening inclusive systems through intentional UDL implementation. The energy was powerful as leaders collaborated, reflected, and leveraged collective expertise around UDL 3.0, moving from shared understanding to sustainable action. Together, we aligned vision and goals ✅ Reflected using Stop–Start–Continue to honor growth and clarify next steps ✅ Explored the UDL 3.0 Guidelines, with a deep dive into Representation ✅ Identified practical strategies that make UDL visible in everyday classroom design ✅ Focused on sustainability to support long-term impact ✅ Used dedicated team time to leave with clear, actionable next steps Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance. It happens through collaboration, reflection, and purposeful design. Grateful to partner with Marin County educators building systems where every learner belongs and thrives. 💛 @SIP_Impact_ @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

A huge thank you to @EngagingAACSLP for compiling this amazing collection of upcoming AAC app sales. 💙💙💙

🌟 Fact Friday: Inclusion That Drives Measurable Growth 🌟 Open Access is excited to highlight a powerful, high-impact practice developed by Guadalupe Union School District. In collaboration with System Improvement Leads, the Strategies That Work document shows how shifting from compliance to collaboration can transform learning outcomes for students with disabilities. Guadalupe Union School District took intentional steps to design a more inclusive, least restrictive learning environment and saw meaningful results. The Challenge: Students with disabilities were performing significantly lower than their peers in reading, with nearly a 23-point gap. The Strategy: Teams focused on designing systems that support Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) by: ✅Thoughtful student placement ✅Inclusive instructional design ✅Data-informed decision making ✅Alignment across systems and practices The Impact: When inclusion is designed with intention, student outcomes improve, and access becomes real for every learner. Inclusion is not just a value. It’s a system we build. Access the Strategies That Work Document here systemimprovement.org/r/designing-fo…

✨ New Blog for Families Using AAC! ✨ What if communication didn’t have to feel like one more thing to manage… but instead became part of the moments you’re already living every day? Our latest blog, “AAC at Home: Making Communication and Literacy Part of Everyday Life,” breaks it down in a way that feels simple, real, and doable for families. Inside, you’ll learn: 🔹How to use AAC naturally during everyday routines 🔹Why modeling matters more than expecting responses 🔹How to build communication through connection, not pressure 🔹Simple ways to support literacy at home starting today Because communication doesn’t just happen in therapy… It happens at the dinner table, in the car, during bath time, and at bedtime. If you’ve ever wondered: “Am I doing this right?” This blog is for you. Start here: openaccess-ca.org/post/aac-at-ho…

Tip Tuesday: UDL Consideration 1.1 Supporting opportunities to customize the display of information doesn’t have to be complicated. ✨ Keep it simple. Small design changes can make a BIG difference for learners: ✅ Use larger font ✅ Choose high contrast colors (dark on light or light on dark) ✅ Avoid busy patterns and distracting backgrounds ✅ Make sure video volume is loud enough for everyone ✅ Turn on closed captioning While fun fonts, patterns, and decorative slides may look engaging, they can unintentionally create barriers for some learners. Simple design saves you time AND increases access for more students. Access doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be intentional. Check out the Open Access Interactive UDL Companion to learn more: openaccess-ca.org/interactiveudl… @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

💡 FACT FRIDAY: Register NOW for this Virtual Learning Opportunity Want to reduce prep time while creating powerful visual supports for your learners? Join us for a live demonstration of Glint, an AI-powered tool designed to help educators quickly create visual schedules, social stories, communication boards, and more. During these sessions, you will: ✔ See Glint in action ✔ Learn how it can cut hours of prep time ✔ Explore ways to create visuals that support diverse learners ✔ Get hands-on practice with the tool Dates: May 13 and May 21 Time: 3:00–4:00 PM Location: Zoom Whether you're new to visual supports or looking for ways to streamline your workflow, this session will give you practical strategies you can start using right away. Register now us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist… Come explore how AI can support accessible instruction! @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

🌟 CONNECT & ACCESS 🌟 One Week Away! Open Access invites you to our Monthly Roundtable Discussions with members of California’s Statewide System of Support. These sessions bring together leaders from across the state to share real-world strategies that help districts address key problems of practice. Date: March 26 Discussion Topic: How do we strengthen authentic partnerships with students and families so that their voices, perspectives, and goals drive educational decision-making? Time: 12:00–1:00 PM PST Location: Zoom Come ready to connect, share, and learn with colleagues dedicated to strengthening school systems and improving outcomes for all learners. Upcoming Dates & Topics: April 23, 2026 – Individualized Education Program (IEP) May 28, 2026 – Inclusive Educational Environments & Preschool REGISTER HERE: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… Let’s collaborate, share, and strengthen supports for all learners across California. @humboldtcoe @Placer_COE @CADeptEd @CCEECA

✨Real Voices, Real Impact! ✨ What happens when a math team realizes their students know more than traditional assessments can capture? You get an inspiring conversation with Callie Cramer, our featured guest on this month’s episode of #UDL Unlocked. “Students can draw, use manipulatives, record their voices… but when it came to traditional assessments, something wasn’t quite clicking.” Callie shares how her team is reimagining assessment so every learner can show their mathematical thinking. Be sure to listen to entire episode: openaccess-ca.org/podcast/episod… This one’s packed with ideas you’ll want to try tomorrow.