Series on Accessibility and Inclusion for Language Learning and Teaching

I teamed up with my colleagues from Michigan State University’s Romance and Classical Studies department to organize a professional development series on accessibility and inclusion for language teaching and learning. Our inaugural series takes place this spring semester 2025 and will feature 4 different events on various topics related to accessible and inclusive language instruction. To reduce barriers, model inclusive practices, and encourage maximum engagement, several modalities are offered across the series of events, including: in-person programming, both asynchronous and synchronous virtual engagement, and hybrid/HyFlex options. Taking a nod from the flipped classroom model, my introduction to Second Language Learning and Disability will be provided as a pre-recorded video to be watched asynchronously over Spring Break as participants’ time allows, followed the next week by a synchronous question and answer session. Our headliner is my good friend Kate Sonka from Teach Access who will join us at our kickoff event on 2/26. Kate will share with us how important it is, in addition to teaching inclusively, to talk about access and inclusion in our courses as an important component in preparing the next generation in accessible practices.