Universal Design for Learning (UDL) acknowledges the variability present in all learners in relation to how they get interested in, and are motivated by learning, as well as how they persist with learning in the face of challenges (Engagement). UDL also acknowledges the variability present in all learners in relation to how they acquire and use information related to learning, including language and symbols (Representation), and how they communicate and demonstrate their learning in given contexts (Action & Expression).

Successful implementation of UDL is largely about providing flexible options across each of the aforementioned areas to legitimately reduce or remove barriers. One commonality with barriers is that they are entirely environmental, meaning that they are part of the design of the culture, context, approach, and physical setting in which learning takes place.

This workshop will explore how the physical and virtual learning environment can create barriers to effective Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression among diverse communities of learners. Specifically, the workshop will explore how barriers can unknowingly be created in learning spaces, preventing learners from learning in the most effective way and in some cases, leading to their complete or partial exclusion from learning. The workshop will present and discuss some potential approaches to supporting the reduction or removal of barriers in the learning space, as well as present a clear blueprint for making learning spaces more accessible, inclusive and equitable, by becoming an instructional tool, instead of just somewhere to teach.