NED Teaching and Learning Conference: Supporting the whole student

The disability justice framework empowers educators to create accessible education and learning for all students (as whole and complex people), moving away from what is required by law and towards a future of equitably minded practice that prioritizes historically marginalized students.

The disability rights movement, including conversations about access and inclusion for disabled folks in education, is rooted in a predominately white, middle-class experience. In recognition of the hierarchy of power that exists in society and within the disabled community, disability justice works to interrupt harmful systems of oppression prioritizing those who are multiply marginalized. By elevating the voices of disabled women, disabled people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, people who are houseless and incarcerated, and people who have had their ancestral lands stolen, educators can create a more accessible and equitable learning experience for everyone and reduce equity gaps.

This interactive session explores key differences between disability rights and disability justice in higher education. Educators are empowered to recognize and challenge ableist expectations, practices, policies and remove barriers for learners with disabilities and other intersecting identities. The goal of this session is to inform, offer space for reflection and conversation, and offer tools to address inaccessible education.

Educators are recognizing how AI design can deliver significant learning. We examine how AI tools can be used to increase engagement and improve teaching quality.

In this session we examine how AI tools can be used in course design, enhance assessments and learning activities, and ways to save time so they can focus their time on teaching students. The focus is to provide practical ideas where the AI is used for quality achievement, using artificial intelligence to develop and expand human intelligence. Participants will consider the latest pedagogical best practices that will increase student learning and skill development needed for their careers and will have the opportunity to share their own practices during the session. Specific examples of course design ideas for assessments and rubrics including self-assessments, student assignments using AI, resource creation, and teaching and learning strategies to increase engagement and higher-level thinking are presented. Deeper dive resources are offered for participants just-in-time future learning.