What tools and practices help make learning accessible for all students?

What tools and practices help make learning accessible for all students?

In this post, I'll share inclusive tools and strategies that help empower diverse learners in every classroom. Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. With the power of iPad Accessibility features/tools and the knowledge and practice of inclusive design, we can create a more equitable and engaging learning experience for all learners.

My name is Melissa Piette, Apple Distinguished Educator, Class of 2019. I am an Assistive and Instructional Technology Integrationist in the Wausau School District in Wausau, Wisconsin where I support our District teachers and learners. As a former Special Educator, I champion access, engagement and belonging for all learners whether I'm working 1:1, in small groups, with learners or with large educator groups. As a foundation to my work, I commonly highlight three must introduce iPad accessibility features/tools for all learners as well as two essential practices that instructional leaders and classroom educators need to consider. 

Must introduce iPad tools to increase momentum and feed back in learning:

If we removed all educational labels and looked at learner challenges across the grade levels we'd find that two most common challenges that learners face are access to print/text and expression through print/text. Yet, we ask them to access and express themselves through print and written expression most of the day. That's why we need to share 3 tools on iPad to build learner empowerment: Text to Speech (Spoken Content, Speech Controller), Predictive Text and Dictation. I like to call these tools: "Tools for Learning" because it is essential all learners have exposure and experience with them.

By providing early exposure to these customization features, we enable learners to discover their personal preferences and tailor their learning experiences to suit their individual needs. Moreover, universally introducing these tools can help reduce the stigma associated with disabilities. These aren't specialized accommodations; they're tools that can benefit any learner, regardless of their background or abilities.

Essential Practices for Instructional Leaders and Educators:

As instructional leaders it's important we model and champion the following practices and beliefs to enhance inclusive experiences. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Practices, Understanding Accessible Digital Design as well as universal access to "Tools for Learning" are essential to help make learning accessible for all students. Here's the essentials:

• Multiple Means of Representation: Provide information in various accessible formats, including text, audio, and visual representations, to cater to different learning styles.
• Multiple Means of Engagement: Offer a variety of accessible activities and accessible tasks to keep students motivated and engaged, regardless of their interests or abilities.
• Multiple Means of Expression: Provide students with multiple ways to demonstrate their understanding, such as writing, drawing, or creating multimedia projects.
• iPad Accessibility features are good for everyone to learn about: Teach all students about text to speech (Spoken Content, Speech Selection), Predictive Text and Dictation (speech to text) on iPad with common classroom tasks such as paragraph writing and editing.
• Understand the Basics of Accessible Digital Design: Ensure the content you are sharing is accessible for anyone to engage with.

Free Resources and Videos that Champion Access, Engagement and Belonging For All Learners:

Presentation Linked in Wausau School District's Learning Management System Helps Promote Universal Use of "Tools for Learning" - Link below

• Promote the use of Spoken Content (Text to Speech), Predictive Text and Dictation for all learners universally across your District:
• Wausau School District's "Tools for Learning" Interactive Learning Presentation - This resource is linked as a course navigation icon within each of student course our LMS.
• Videos linked above are from the Apple Book: Opening Doors to Access, Reach More Learners by Melissa Piette (Wausau School District & ADE 2019), Morgan Cave (Richardson School District & ADE 2019) and Ronit Shapiro (Apple Professional Learning & ADE 2019)
• iPad Accessibility Features: Watch Apple Support's iPad Accessibility Features on You Tube
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices at CAST: Explore the new 3.0 UDL Guidelines at CAST
• Design with Access in Mind: Learn more in the Apple Education Community and Read this Community Post Titled Accessible Design Top 5: Design for All Learners

By embracing inclusive technology tools and instructional practices, we can create a more equitable and engaging learning experience for all students and empower diverse learners. It's essential to champion universal design for learning principles and model inclusive practices. By providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression, we can ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed. By leveraging technology and adopting inclusive practices, we can build a brighter future for all learners. Let's work together to create classrooms where every student feels valued, included, and empowered.

Share Your Perspective: What tools and practices do you champion in your District to help make learning accessible for all learners?