The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s first Diverse Learners Awareness Week, April 18-22, is a week for everyone to celebrate the diversity of ways we learn and play. The events will include interactive demonstrations, live-action theater, an assistive technology expo, conference-style presentations, roundtable discussions, film screenings, adaptive sports demonstrations and more. See theÌýentire lineupÌýon the .Ìý
From using assistive technologies and strategies for organizing information, to shaping your own academic path through independent study, we each have reasons to honor diversity in learning. By celebrating our rich diversity of learners, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ deepens itsÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý. Learn more about how you can get involved on theÌýÌýor by .
Schedule highlights:
Kickoff Event: Affinity Arts Interactive Performance
Monday, April 18, 3 to 5 p.m.
Center for Community (C4C), JD Abrams Lounge (3rd Floor)
A series of interactive sketches presented by will serve as a launchpad for discussions about the tactics and tools needed to handle difficult situations that we face every day. The presentation and discussion will also provide practical guidance for interacting with diverse learners and creating inclusive learning environments. Light catered refreshments will be provided. This session is co-sponsored by the Chancellor's Accessibility Committee.
Adaptive Sports & Film Screening
Tuesday, April 19, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Recreation Center, room C-240
The short film,, which follows the first three amputee climbers to ascend El Capitan, will be shown and then followed by a discussion facilitated by renowned climbers (lead climber in Gimp Monkeys) andÌý, and adaptive sports instructor. Learn how these three help others with physical impairments to fully participate in action sports like rock climbing and snowboarding. Following the discussion there will be a demonstration of adaptive climbing techniques at the climbing wall.
Cafe Pédagogique
Thursday, April 21, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
, 3201 Walnut Street, Boulder
Join other professionals in a lively discussion about promoting accessibility and inclusivity in learning environments. This discussion format, , will feature 3 facilitators: Alex McDaniel, senior online class developer and interactive applications specialist of MSU Denver; Michael Erskine, educational technology center director of MSU Denver; and keynote speaker of the University of Washington, a pioneer in the design of inclusive learning environments. Catered appetizers will be included as part of registration and Twisted Pine beer will be available.
Learning Technologies Expo
Friday, April 22, 9 to 10 a.m.
Wolf Law Lobby
Browse displays and demonstrations of various learning technologies used on campus including: screen readers, robotics used in classrooms and distance learning, Braillers (braille typewriters), and more. You can also meet students from CU-Boulder's Accessibility and Usability Lab and learn about the services the lab provides.
Keynote: Sheryl Burgstahler
Friday, April 22, 10:15 a.m. to noon
Wolf Law, Wittemyer Courtroom
The week’s keynote presentation byÌýwill focus on building inclusive learning environments using universal design principles. Burgstahler is founder and director of the University of Washington’s. Her presentation will be followed by time for Q&A and breakout discussions. This session will be live-streamed (with live captions) to other university and college campuses around the country to allow for wider participation.
Intercultural Film Series Screening of "The Theory of Everything"
Friday, April 22, 6 to 9 p.m.
Center for Community (C4C) JD Abrams Lounge (3rd Floor)
The Oscar-winning film,Ìý, will be shown (captions provided) as part of the Intercultural Film Series. The screening will be followed by a discussion about themes introduced in the film. Free pizza will be provided.
The Diverse Learners Awareness Week was made possible in part by the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s Diversity and Excellence grant. The week of events is co-sponsored by the Office of Information Technology and Disability Services. If you require accommodations for any of these events, please emailÌýhelp@colorado.edu or call 303-735-4357 (5-HELP).
