Setting up Inclusive Learning Environments

In this presentation, Dr Joy Zabala discusses strategies to support effective inclusive practices in educational environments. Dr Zabala introduces the concept of Universal Design for Learning to identify the conditions that best support student learning outcomes in the classroom, in relation to assistive technology service design and delivery.

Dr Zabala introduces the SETT framework – a flexible four-part tool intended to promote collaborative decision-making in assistive technology. The Framework highlights key factors that support inclusive learning environments and ways to promote collaboration within teams to create student-centred, environmentally useful and task-oriented tools that foster participation and achievement among students.

Dr Zabala explores the four key elements of the SETT framework: Students, Environment, Tasks and Tools to demonstrate how the framework can be applied in educational settings to improve the outcomes of students with diverse learning needs, abilities and experiences. The presentation highlights a functional approach to Assistive Technology service design and delivery by focusing on access and progress as measures of student outcomes. 

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Please note – Victorian Department of Education staff can access this professional learning offering free of charge. Enter your @education.vic.gov.au email address during the registration process to ensure the registration fee is waivered.

Participants will:

• identify the conditions that best support inclusion in the classroom through Universal Design for Learning principles
• develop an understanding of the SETT framework and its relationship to Assistive Technology service design and delivery
• identify and understand the order in which the four elements of the framework are considered
• recognise the ways the framework supports inclusion and effective Assistive Technology decision-making
• develop skills in decision-making using the SETT Framework as a tool

Dr Joy Zabala is a general and special educator with over 25 years’ experience conducting professional development and training in the field of Assistive Technology use. She is the developer of the SETT Framework, a collaborative decision-making tool that assists education professionals with decision-making around assistive technology supports and delivery. 

Dr Zabala is currently the Director of Technical Assistance at CAST, specialists in Universal Design for Learning, who provide guidance and technical assistance on the development of effective inclusive learning environments and tools. Dr Zabala’s interests include Assistive Technology, decision-making, implementation and the evaluation of Universal Design for Learning.

This On-Demand presentation is  delivered in spoken English with captioning

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Participants who successfully complete this On-Demand Presentation will receive a certificate noting 2 hours of professional learning.