Participants engage in the Neurodiversity Institute (NDI) and complete a series of reflective and applied assignments designed to foster inclusive practices. The badge recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting neurodivergent students and implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies in their work.
Learning Outcomes
By earning this badge, participants will be able to:
Explain the terms Neurodiversity, Universal Design for Learning, and Accessibility to colleagues.Apply UDL principles and design responsive structures to support and collaborate with students.Advocate for student needs regarding neurodiversity within their departments.
Earning Criteria for Faculty
To earn the badge, faculty must:
Participate in the 2-day Neurodiversity Institute for Faculty
Complete a deliverables assignment during the academic term following the NDI and submit it at the beginning of the subsequent term.
- If attending the August NDI, the assignment is completed during the fall term and submitted at the start of winter term.
- If attending the December NDI, the assignment is completed during the winter term and submitted at the start of spring term.
NOTE: All badge requirements must be completed within the academic year in which the faculty member participated in the NDI.
The deliverables assignment includes:
Reflective Growth: A reflection on how they have continued to research and learn (for a minimum of 2 hours) about neurodiversity, UDL, and accessibility. Examples:
- Attending workshops regarding inclusion, UDL and accessibility
- Reading a book or additional readings focused on neurodiversity, UDL, and/or accessibility
- Course review with an OTL Instructional Designer and implement ideas
Course Development: A plan for applying their learning in the classroom, including how they will implement UDL principles and make their efforts transparent and public. Examples:
- Center digital accessibility in your course content
- Re-design assessment using flexibility and choice
- Changes to course design and syllabus
- Implement an accessibility survey and implement student feedback
Engage Your Department: A reflection on how they have become an agent of change within their department by facilitating an activity to engage and motivate colleagues around accessibility and inclusive practices. Examples:
- Bring colleagues to OTL events and workshops
- Facilitate a department discussion on accessibility
- Convene a book club
- Convene a department working group
- Sharing professional development opportunities
- Creating learning circles
- Bringing speakers to department meetings
- Hosting department community of practice
This badge supports DU’s mission to create a more equitable and accessible campus environment by equipping faculty and staff with the tools to better serve all students.
Contact
If you have any questions or comments about the Neurodiversity & Universal Design for Learning Badge, please contact Jasmine Yap, Director of Inclusive Teaching Practices, Jasmine.Yap@du.edu, for more information.
