CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy (CITA) Summer Series 2022: Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Ableism and Access: Removing Barriers and Building Equity in CUNY Classroom

Hosted by CUNY Central Office of Academic Affairs

Join us for a workshop guided by Derek Stadler and Priscilla Stadler from LaGuardia Community College.

What are some barriers to learning that students, with or without disabilities, find themselves facing? How can we effectively design learning environments, so all students feel welcome? What is ableism, and what does it mean for teaching and learning? How can faculty crip* a course, in a variety of disciplines? How can Universal Design (UD) make the learning environment more accessible and welcoming, while recognizing that accessibility is a social justice issue? This workshop will include a presentation, a hands-on activity, resources, and q & a.

Skills and resources shared in the workshop will help faculty evaluate and design learning materials to ensure they are accessible for all students. Open Education Resources (OER) can remove financial barriers, but if their accessibility is not considered, they may create other barriers for learners. We will share what we’ve been learning from and with students and faculty of varying abilities as we continue to build awareness and share effective practices.

While we are aware that UD cannot completely meet the needs of every learner, we recognize the value of its approach for student-centered pedagogies. In conjunction with a focus on social justice, we believe that UD can be used to provide a more equitable, student-centered learning environment. As a collaborative facilitation team between LaGuardia’s Center for Teaching and Learning and the Library, we welcome CUNY colleagues of all disciplines and backgrounds to participate in the workshop.

Register here: Ableism and Access: Removing Barriers and Building Equity in CUNY Classrooms