What or Who is Disabled?

One of my favorite sayings is, "It's not the tool, but how you use the tool that matters." Technology is an amazing tool when paired with sound pedagogy and accessible design. However, it equally has the power to amplify poor design and distract learning. In a world full of apps, design matters! 

My mission is to help inspire educators to infuse technology and pedagogy into learning in meaningful, engaging, and accessible ways. I believe that ALL students can learn, and it begins with answering a simple question: WHO or WHAT is disabled?

I am ashamed to say that I often pointed the finger at the student (WHO) who failed to comprehend my lesson. Instead, I have learned that accessibility begins with realizing that my design (WHAT) may be the problem.  
My lesson might contain unintentional barriers in the way content is represented, how students demonstrate mastery, and how students engage in the learning environment. If I understand WHAT is the problem, then I can design with accessibility in mind! 


​Planning with a POP

In my quest to design accessible learning experiences  for ALL, I created a simple acronym called "POP"
  • P stands for "predict" high-probability barriers that may occur
  • O stands for "overcome" with accessible options
  • P stands for "plan" with accessibility in mind  
I use this simple, but powerful acronym and UDL framework to design EVERY professional development, keynote, workshop, and lesson that I teach.  Let's connect and partner together to transform student learning in your school! I offer keynote presentations, professional development workshops, webinars, and consulting services on a variety of topics. ​Learn more below. ​
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