Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Educational Accessibility Training Course

Module 1: Foundations of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Educational Accessibility

ü  Evolution of educational inclusion: Special education vs. integration vs. Universal Design for Learning

ü  The CAST UDL Framework: Architecture, guidelines, and checkpoint navigation

ü  The medical model vs. social model of disability in educational institutions

ü  Legal frameworks and civil rights standards governing educational accessibility

ü  Practical Session: Auditing an Existing Course Syllabus using UDL Core Principles

Module 2: Neuroscience of Learning: Engagement, Representation, and Action / Expression

ü  The three brain networks in learning: Affective, Recognition, and Strategic networks

ü  Neurodiversity in the classroom: Supporting executive functioning, ADHD, and autism

ü  Identifying and eliminating construct-irrelevant barriers in instructional design

ü  The relationship between UDL, Differentiated Instruction, and Culturally Responsive Teaching

ü  Practical Session: Mapping Brain Network Functions to Specific Classroom Instructional Barriers

Module 3: Designing Multiple Means of Engagement for Diverse Learners

ü  Strategies for recruiting interest and optimizing individual choice and autonomy

ü  Sustaining effort and persistence through collaborative learning and mastery-oriented feedback

ü  Fostering self-regulation: Developing self-assessment, coping strategies, and motivation

ü  Cultivating inclusive classroom cultures and psychologically safe learning spaces

ü  Practical Session: Redesigning a Learning Activity to Provide Variable Paths of Engagement

Module 4: Designing Multiple Means of Representation and Accessible Content

ü  Presenting information in visual, auditory, and tactile modalities

ü  Clarifying vocabulary, symbols, mathematical notation, and syntax across disciplines

ü  Promoting cross-linguistic understanding and supporting English Language Learners (ELL)

ü  Enhancing comprehension: Activating background knowledge and highlighting big ideas

ü  Practical Session: Transforming a Static Text-Based Lesson into a Multi-Modal Learning Module

Module 5: Designing Multiple Means of Action and Expression in Learning

ü  Varying the methods for response and navigation in physical and digital tasks

ü  Optimizing access to tools, assistive technologies, and expressive media

ü  Building fluency through graduated levels of support and scaffolding

ü  Supporting executive functions: Goal-setting, planning, strategy development, and memory management

ü  Practical Session: Creating Choice Boards for Student Projects with Varied Demonstration Modes

Module 6: Digital Accessibility Standards, WCAG, and E-Learning Environments

ü  Overview of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1/2.2 Level AA standards)

ü  Creating accessible digital documents: Headings, alt-text, contrast ratios, and table structure

ü  Accessible Learning Management Systems (LMS) setup: Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard configurations

ü  Closed captioning, audio descriptions, and transcript creation for media content

ü  Practical Session: Performing a Complete Accessibility Remediation on a PDF and Slide Deck

Module 7: Assistive Technologies and Accessible Educational Resources (AER)

ü  Exploring hardware and software assistive technologies: Screen readers, speech-to-text, and switches

ü  Open Educational Resources (OER) and open-format accessible instructional materials

ü  Built-in accessibility features in operating systems, browsers, and productivity suites

ü  Selection and pedagogical integration of assistive tools into general education classrooms

ü  Practical Session: Testing Instructional Materials using Screen Readers and Keyboard-Only Navigation

Module 8: Inclusive Assessment Strategies and Barrier-Free Evaluation

ü  Differentiating between learning construct measurement and accessibility barriers

ü  Designing flexible rubrics aligned with learning standards without prescribing the medium

ü  Formative vs. summative assessment flexibility: Self-assessments and peer evaluations

ü  Providing accessible testing conditions and timing accommodations by design

ü  Practical Session: Redesigning a Traditional Written Exam into an Accessible Multi-Option Assessment

Module 9: Institutional Policy, UDL Advocacy, and Systemic Change Management

ü  Formulating institutional UDL implementation plans and accessibility roadmaps

ü  Faculty professional development strategies: Peer coaching, UDL mentorship, and PLCs

ü  Procurement policies for acquiring accessible edtech software and digital learning tools

ü  Measuring institutional impact: Student retention, satisfaction, and accessibility metrics

ü  Practical Session: Drafting an Institutional UDL Action Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy

Module 10: Capstone Instructional Design Studio and UDL Implementation Plan

ü  Synthesis of UDL principles across a full unit of study or training module

ü  Peer review and expert evaluation of redesigned instructional packages

ü  Developing an individual continuous improvement plan for UDL implementation

ü  Final defense of capstone accessible curriculum projects

ü  Practical Session: Presenting a Fully Accessible and UDL-Compliant Course Package

About Our Trainers

Our trainers are accomplished instructional designers, educational psychologists, and accessibility specialists with extensive experience leading UDL implementations across school systems, universities, and corporate training divisions. Holding advanced doctoral and master's degrees in Education, Instructional Design, and Special Education, they have consulted for international educational bodies, published peer-reviewed research on neurodiversity, and managed large-scale digital accessibility migrations. They bring deep pedagogical insight, practical technical expertise in assistive technology, and proven strategies for institutionalizing educational accessibility.

Quality Statement

Phoenix Training Center is committed to delivering highest-caliber professional development in education, policy, and public administration. Our Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Educational Accessibility curriculum undergoes continuous evaluation to reflect the latest neuroscientific research, digital accessibility standards (WCAG), and inclusive pedagogical methodologies. We ensure impactful learning experiences by maintaining small cohort sizes, integrating practical hands-on technology remediation labs, and providing expert-guided feedback on every participant project.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program that maximizes value and impact for your team. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  Course Improvement: The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Kindly send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments a week before the training starts (at least 5 to 7 days before the Training start date) to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, a week before the training starts.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Pick-up

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202.