Date
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
Location Name
RL SE Mezzanine: CAST UDL-CON
Name
Designing for Healing and Access: Integrating UDL and Trauma-Informed Practices
Description

Explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and trauma-informed practices work together to create inclusive, responsive learning environments. Melissa Sanjeh, Senior Director of Professional Learning and Implementation at CAST, and a former alternative school educator and licensed social worker, will be joined by a school leader who has implemented both frameworks to share system-level insights. Participants will build understanding of the neuroscience behind each approach and examine how they intersect to support engagement, access, and well-being. Through interactive activities—including reflection, collaborative discussion, and guided design—participants will apply strategies to reduce barriers, support regulation, and foster belonging. Designed using UDL principles, the session offers multiple ways to engage and contribute. Participants will leave with practical strategies and tools to integrate both frameworks into classrooms and schoolwide systems.

Session Type
Traditional Workshop
Track
Social Emotional Learning
Secondary Track
Equity and Inclusion
Primary Audience
School and District Leadership
Secondary Audience
Principals
Fall Conference Strands
Inspire