CADSPPE Universal Design Initiative

The Universal Design Initiative within CADSPPE began in 2005 at the CACUSS conference at Queens University with a concurrent presentation on Applying Universal Design for Instruction by Joan Wolforth (McGill University) and Gladys Loewen (Assistive Technology-BC). Participants in the session recommended that CADSPPE offer more sessions and resources on reframing disability through the Social Model of Disability and the principles of universal design. In 2006 Leo Bissonnette (Concordia University) and Carolyn Wiebe Christie (University of Manitoba) joined Joan and Gladys in applying for and receiving a grant from CADSPPE to explore resources on universal design.

Project Goals

The goals of the project include:

explore strategies that can be used by CADSPPE members in promoting universal design concepts in their institutions
identify readily achievable strategies to promote access to the curriculum for diverse populations

Outcomes

The outcomes of the universal design project include:

A bibliography on UD resources
An article on Implementing Universal Design: Faculty Development through Workshops in the spring 2007 Communiqué by Leo Bissonnette
An article Why Should I Care about Reframing Disability? by Gladys Loewen in the NEADS spring 2007 newsletter
A preconference session Reframing Disability through Strategic Planning; presented by Melanie Thornton, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Project PACE.
A concurrent session Implementing Universal Design presented by Leo Bissonnette (Concordia University), Carolyn Wiebe Christie (University of Manitoba), Joan Wolforth (McGill University), and Gladys Loewen (Assistive Technology-BC)
A concurrent session Advancing Our Profession by Melanie Thornton (UALR), Yolaine Ruel (University of Ottawa) and Gladys Loewen (Assistive Technology-BC)

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