CAST and TESOL International Association are excited to present Access by Design, a four-part webinar series for PreK-12 educators to deepen their understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its power to transform instruction for multilingual learners of English (MLEs)! By bridging TESOL’s global work advancing expertise in English teaching for multilingual contexts with CAST’s commitment to inclusive learning design, this workshop series empowers educators to elevate learner strengths and cultivate environments where everyone can thrive.
About the series
Hosted by CAST’s Melissa Sanjeh, ELT specialist Mohamed Nabil, and TESOL’s Gracie Allely, Access by Design will give educators the opportunity to explore the UDL framework in depth — examining how flexible design principles can remove barriers, build on student strengths, and create more equitable learning environments for every learner.
Between September 2 and September 23, 2026, the Access by Design series will bring together educators for four live webinars, each diving into one of the core pillars of UDL. Facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies and research-backed approaches across four themes.
Session details
- Theme 1: Designing for All: An Introduction to UDL & Multilingual Learners (Live workshop: September 3, 2026 )
- Theme 2: Multiple Means of Engagement: Spark & Sustain Learning for Multilingual Learners (Live workshop: September 10, 2026 )
- Theme 3: Multiple Means of Representation: Making Content Accessible for Every Learner (Live workshop: September 17, 2026 )
- Theme 4: Multiple Means of Action & Expression: Voice & Choice for Multilingual Learners (Live workshop: September 24, 2026 )
Why attend?
- Learn how UDL principles can be applied to support the linguistic and cultural assets of multilingual learners.
- Discover flexible instructional approaches across engagement, representation, and action & expression.
- Gain insights and inspiration from experts in UDL and multilingual education.
- Collaborate with fellow educators, share resources, and build connections within a growing professional community.
Who should participate?
Sessions are designed to support primary & secondary ELT and content area classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and teacher educators.
How to Register?
Registration for Access by Design is open to the public ($65) and TESOL members ($25/$35) until the end of September 2026 through TESOL. All sessions will be recorded and available to participants for a month following each webinar, but early registration is encouraged to participate in the live workshops.
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