After more than a year of collaboration and planning, the launch of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Community of Practice in Newfoundland and Labrador, will take place on Friday, May 30, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. (NDT). Anyone interested in attending can join online or in person at Memorial University’s St. John’s Campus. 

This Community of Practice was created to support more inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning environments in Newfoundland and Labrador. Grounded in UDL principles, it brings together educators, students, service providers, and community members to share ideas and strengthen inclusive practices across educational settings. It began with a small group of people, including the School of Social Work's Dr. Ami Goulden, committed to creating space for dialogue around accessibility and meaningful change in teaching and learning. Over the past year, we gathered input through surveys and interviews with people across the province. The feedback underscored a desire for practical, real-world examples of UDL in action and emphasized the importance of hearing directly from those with lived experience. Participants also highlighted the need for ongoing connection, reflection, and advocacy across contexts.

Event Highlights:

• Keynote by Darla Benton Kearney (she/her)
• Panel: Sharing UDL Stories – Small Changes, Big Impact

Darla Benton Kearney is the Teaching & Learning Consultant – UDL at Mohawk College, where she has supported nearly a decade of UDL implementation across programs and services. Darla will join us virtually to share stories, strategies, and lessons learned from their college-wide approach to UDL.

Educators and students from various educational settings will join us in person to reflect on how UDL has shaped their experiences. The panel will feature a moderated discussion and individual reflections.

As part of National Accessibility Week, this event is an opportunity to come together and reflect on how we can build more inclusive educational spaces across systems, settings, and communities. 

Please register to attend (virtually or in person): Register for the UDL CoP launch.

View the event poster with the full schedule and details (PDF).