PD Opportunities

Breaking Barriers: A Deep Dive into AODA Compliance in Higher Education

Session Facilitator: Mandi Crespo, Manager, Accessibility Consultant, BDO Canada

Session Description:

This keynote address will explore the significance of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in educational contexts and stress the crucial need for accessibility and inclusivity for all learners. By discussing the barriers prevalent in post-secondary education, attendees will gain insights into actionable pathways for establishing inclusive learning environments. The keynote address will explore the specific standards outlined by the AODA, provide an overview of the status of AODA compliance, and offer insights into how these standards are being interpreted and implemented within post-secondary education. The keynote address will conclude with practical steps for faculty members to implement within their classrooms and programs to foster a culture of accessibility and equity.

Session Outcome:

Attendees can expect to come away from the keynote session equipped with an understanding of the AODA standards, insights into their current implementation status, and actionable strategies for effectively interpreting and integrating these standards into their educational practices.

Target Audience:

All faculty and staff are welcome!

***Please note that Mandi will be presenting remotely.***

Beyond the Basics: A Fun Dive into Accessibility and Accommodations!

Session Facilitator: Julie Gervais, BA, MACP, RP 

Session Description:

Have you ever wondered how to transform your classroom into an inclusive carnival of learning? Join us for an electrifying session where we'll break down the barriers of traditional teaching and embark on a journey toward making education accessible for everyone! This isn't your average PD session; it's an adventure into the world of inclusivity and accommodation, sprinkled with laughter, a dash of innovation, and a pinch of pizzazz.

Session Outcome:

By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with not just knowledge but a toolbox of creative strategies to make your classroom an accessible haven for all. Get ready to champion inclusivity, one rainbow-coloured lesson plan at a time!

Target Audience:

This session is tailor-made for the fabulous faculty of Canadore, eager to sprinkle a bit of magic and accessibility into their teaching repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned professor or a fresh face in the academic circus, this session is for you!

Digital Accessibility: What, Why, and How

Session Facilitator: Inci Sariz-Bilge

Session Description:

This session delves into the fundamentals of digital accessibility, its alignment with AODA standards, and the importance of an inclusive digital space. You will discover practical insights into ensuring digital accessibility, equipping you with the tools to create a more inclusive and accessible digital landscape for all.

Session Outcome:

By the end of this session, you will:

• Identify fundamental principles and components of digital accessibility (What)
• Recognize the significance of digital accessibility (Why)
• Acquire basic tools to implement accessibility principles (How)

Target Audience:

All faculty and staff are welcome!

***Please note that Inci will be presenting remotely.***

Is Your iLearn Course Accessible?

Session Facilitator: Jacob Baisley

Session Description:

As you’ll see at all the sessions today, there are lots of things to consider when creating an accessible learning environment, but perfect is the enemy of good! There are plenty of small, easy changes we can make to improve the accessibility of our course shells. Join us for a short presentation on some of the fastest checks and changes you can make!

Session Outcome:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify accessibility issues in their iLearn course and address some small barriers.

Target Audience:

This session is for anyone who uses iLearn or supports others in its use.

Sharing and Idea Exchange Workshop

Session Facilitators: Jacob Baisley, Jordanne Christie & Julia Tignanelli

Session Description:

Do you have an idea you want to try, but you want some feedback first? Do you have a cool new activity you’ve used that you want to share? Do you just want to participate in a discussion around best teaching practices? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us for a faculty sharing and idea exchange workshop. This session will kick off with an informal show and tell providing a platform for you to share your innovative teaching ideas or discover what's working for others, and then will dive into small group discussion and collaboration. If you have an activity you’d like to crowdsource ideas on, please feel free to bring it with you! This is a practical ideas-sharing session.

Session Outcome:

By the end of this session, participants will have engaged in productive discussions about how to improve their teaching practices – either for a specific activity or more broadly.

Target Audience:

This session is for anyone who wants to engage in some discourse around their own teaching practices.

Accessible Pedagogical Design: Inclusion as Collaboration

Session Facilitator: Dr. Ann Gagné, Senior Educational Developer, Accessibility & Inclusion, Brock University. Host of Accessagogy Podcast

Session Description:

Conversations about AODA in college environments open space for more awareness of the collaborative nature of the work needed to make our classes, colleges, and virtual spaces more inclusive to learners and users with disabilities. This keynote will highlight some accessible pedagogical strategies that could be considered in course and event design. It will expand on areas where collaboration is required across the institution and with community partners to support inclusivity and embed universal design in the work we do. This talk will emphasize the lived experience and knowledge we all bring to our institutions, which allows for authentic connections, multiple pathways, and a de-siloed approach to accessibility. 

Session Outcome:

This session aims to provide faculty with the knowledge and pedagogical strategies when designing courses and events.

Target Audience:

All faculty and staff are welcome!

***Please note that Ann will be presenting remotely.***