<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Placer SELPA Open Access ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Open Access 2.0]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:02:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.openaccess-ca.org/tl/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Rethinking “Special” Tools: Accessibility Beyond Eligibility]]></title><description><![CDATA[Photo by Wix Posted by: Mimi Zimlich, M.S., PPS, UDL/AT Content Lead, Open Access Recently, I found myself imagining what I would hope to see during a classroom visit. Students working in different ways while engaging in the same task. For example, one student using voice typing to share ideas, another listening to text read aloud through headphones, and another adjusting their screen settings or using captions to follow along. Nothing about it would feel unusual. No one would stand out. No...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/rethinking-special-tools-accessibility-beyond-eligibility</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f951dc6d919e5ce86ebae0</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Assistive Technology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 15:40:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_77b9652e930041f791144ffedb32586a~mv2_d_4992_3328_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mzimlich</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Their Voice, Their Future: Supporting AAC Users Through the Transition from School to Adulthood]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Jennifer Wright, M.A., CCC-SLP, Open Access Casandra Guerrero, M. Ed., M.S., CCC-SLP, Diagnostic Center North Natalia Silva Sepulveda, M.S., SLP, Hollister High School Photo by Wix “When my students who use AAC leave the public education system, I want them to…” Pause for a moment and reflect on that sentence. Whether you are an educator thinking about your students' independence and future employment, or a parent thinking about something more personal, “I want them to be...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/their-voice-their-future-supporting-aac-users-through-the-transition-from-school-to-adulthood</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6649c8b2f11ff8e569451</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[AAC]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:06:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0f5d297bc70a4cdea17adc7c5b4c21d8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jennifer Wright</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AAC at Home: Making Communication and Literacy Part of Everyday Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Jennifer Wright, M.A. ,  CCC-SLP Photo by Wix When an AAC tool comes home, whether it’s a no‑tech communication board or flipbook, a mid‑tech option, or a high‑tech tool like an iPad with a communication app, it can feel overwhelming at first. The tool sits on the counter. You’re not always sure when to use it. You might worry that changing something will “mess it up.” And honestly? Your family is just trying to get through dinner. When AAC tools are new, your child may not yet be...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/aac-at-home-making-communication-and-literacy-part-of-everyday-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bdab7bbd46da1f6b27ace9</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[AAC]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:59:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_be0c5ff0292a43418c8f833478bdfbbc~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jennifer Wright</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strengthening Home and School Collaboration Around Assistive Technology]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Mimi Zimlich, M.S., PPS, UDL/AT Content Lead, Open Access  Photo by Wix You’re sitting at a school meeting, and someone mentions assistive technology (AT). Maybe your child is already using speech-to-text. Maybe the team is discussing a reading support tool. Maybe you’ve heard about visual schedules or organization apps being tried in class. You nod, but inside you’re wondering: 	What does this actually look like during the school day? 	Is it really helping? 	How can I support this...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/strengthening-home-and-school-collaboration-around-assistive-technology</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6994b6b4180bb9f884caffaa</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Assistive Technology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:33:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_97bf384780374d499b7049cd55e2f43c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mzimlich</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a Guide for Parenting ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Photo by Wix Posted by: Emily DesJardins, M.A, UDL/AT Content Lead Since taking on the role of UDL Content Lead with Open Access, Universal Design for Learning has become a framework I engage with deeply every day. I’ve long resonated with UDL ideas, but in this role, I’ve been able to explore specific considerations in detail and understand why they are essential for human learning. Engaging with these concepts professionally has naturally influenced how I think about parenting. Photo by Wix...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/using-universal-design-for-learning-udl-as-a-guide-for-parenting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6977eb8d6b7a080e43d74095</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:40:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_26bec688bbde40818a6a17c9e91ba9c0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emily DesJardins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Theory to Practice: Demystifying Assistive Technology through the Lens of UDL]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Mimi Zimlich, M.S., PPS, UDL/AT Content Lead, Open Access Photo by Wix When we talk about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we might imagine a wide, smooth road that welcomes every learner, a road built with flexibility, options, and access in mind. But sometimes, even with a thoughtfully designed road, a few barriers remain. The path is clear for some learners but uneven for others. This is where Assistive Technology (AT) comes in. AT can be the bridge that connects intention...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/from-theory-to-practice-demystifying-assistive-technology-through-the-lens-of-udl</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694339a5142838fcf062f8ed</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Assistive Technology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:52:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a3c9e0046b30444c981901633ab21dbc~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mzimlich</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deep Play, Deep Learning: A Forest Friday Reflection]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by:  Emily DesJardins, M.A., SpED, UDL/AT Content Lead, Open Access Photo by Emily DesJardins As I approached the trailhead, two hours after the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class had begun their weekly Forest Friday adventure, I couldn’t help but wonder how I’d ever find them in such a vast stretch of forest. Still, I trusted my instincts and followed the main path. A few minutes in, I reached a fork: three trails, three choices. I paused, unsure, then chose the widest path. Just as...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/deep-play-deep-learning-a-forest-friday-reflection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6909345c91f4e1bef6548aec</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:06:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_f6cceeaca2684c288cc0f22949d210f7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emily DesJardins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Designing Lessons for All Voices: Planning for Learner Variability and AAC Users]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Jennifer Wright, M.A. ,  CCC-SLP Photo by Open Access Every classroom includes a range of learners, each with their own ways of engaging, understanding, and expressing themselves. For students who are non-speaking or minimally speaking, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems may be used as part of their receptive and expressive language system. Supporting AAC users goes beyond ensuring they have tools and strategies available; it’s about designing learning...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/designing-lessons-for-all-voices-planning-for-learner-variability-and-aac-users</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f9b78ee6a1a5c2158d1021</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[AAC]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:20:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_f2664cdc1948485e915b4020c6f6a8c6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jennifer Wright</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of Partnerships: Creating Collective Impact for Every Learner ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Dr. Laurie Balsano Wright, Coordinator &#38; Leah Padilla, Coordinator, Open Access Photo by Wix Across California, school systems...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/the-power-of-partnerships-creating-collective-impact-for-every-learner</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68dab1906d14d2347e81decd</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:14:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_5f1706105a6e4225ad02a522f4b2d65d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Laurie Balsano-Wright</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Setting Up Your Classroom with UDL In Mind]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Emily DesJardins, M.A, SpED, UDL Content Lead, Open Access Photo by Wix One of the most important aspects of Universal Design...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/setting-up-your-classroom-with-udl-in-mind</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6883e21524b9ed0d8c633e76</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:27:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_73e69c0bfc9b49ce8e001cc70aeeb043~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emily DesJardins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Closure with Care: UDL Strategies for Ending the School Year with Reflection and Feedback]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Emily DesJardins, M.A., SpED, UDL Content Lead, Open Access Photo by Wix The season has shifted in schools across the...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/closure-with-care-udl-strategies-for-ending-the-school-year-with-reflection-and-feedback</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6827664b2b0463bceaa882b3</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2025 20:21:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_2de63d6eaeea4eb39ea826a0933b1a14~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emily DesJardins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hollister High School's Magical AAC Journey ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Jennifer Wright, M.A. , CCC-SLP in collaboration with Casandra Guerrero, MS CCC-SLP, Natalia Silva Sepulveda, Bilingual Speech...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/hollister-high-school-s-magical-aac-journey</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6812b18ffb31274520f77bd4</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[AAC]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2025 22:42:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8beb19_c2766177e68243308a198d7ce493341f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jennifer Wright</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[UDL In Action: A First-Time Visit to Redwood Prep]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Emily DesJardins, M.A., SpED, UDL Content Lead, Open Acc ess Photo by Emily DesJardins This month, I finally had the chance to...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/udl-in-action-a-first-time-visit-to-redwood-prep</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67ddad3acf3d906caf8987d8</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2025 15:09:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8beb19_d2de6c00a7a14a07bda4eb0b2a48551e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emily DesJardins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Joy in Learning ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Emily DesJardins, M.A., SpED,  UDL Content Lead, Open Access Photo by Wix The release of the updated UDL 3.0 Guidelines ...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/the-importance-of-joy-in-learning</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67afbfdffd16c100bb7dc935</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:47:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_ef1fb48175d2452dac8d27cd7f8a5b27~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emily DesJardins</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Empowering Communication: Bilingual AAC Resources ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by:  Jennifer Wright, M.A., CCC-SLP Photo by Wix California is a globally recognized hub of linguistic diversity, with over 200...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/empowering-communication-bilingual-aac-resources</link><guid isPermaLink="false">679aa3bd004b6147939c831b</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[AAC]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:17:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8beb19_7b7b962d542347b28dace8e3cdcf9ec1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_568,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jennifer Wright</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Assistive Technology Specialists: Evolving in Real Time]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the ever-evolving landscape of K-12 education, ensuring equal access to quality education continues to be a core belief...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/assistive-technology-specialists-evolving-in-real-time</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67325901d88d349061764137</guid><category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Assistive Technology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:21:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d90f8_11e3e96b0e514a049d2a90d9f9c174d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jill McCann</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inclusive Learning from the Start: Building Meaningful Participation for our AAC Users in Classrooms]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Jennifer Wright, M.A., CCC-SLP Image by Tú Nguyễn from Pixabay Communication begins at birth. From the moment a child enters...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/inclusive-learning-from-the-start-building-meaningful-participation-for-our-aac-users-in-classrooms</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66f1dae5f438370f233a0fc1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:47:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d90f8_666cc83246f74ae49a126fefa2e60db3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_853,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jill McCann</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embracing Learner Variability: Insights from a Sixth Grader]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the warmth of summer fades into the crisp beginnings of autumn, students are gearing up for another school year. Among them is Max...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/embracing-learner-variability-insights-from-a-sixth-grader</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66ce0171245daff3085774f9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:58:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d90f8_01c28723858041a0944f82ec78d62762~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_867,h_543,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lpadilla961</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embracing Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement in UDL Implementation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by Dr. Laurie Balsano Wright on June 7, 2024 Image credit: https://www.canva.com/p/bronwyn-deanes-team/ In the realm of education,...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/embracing-growth-mindset-and-continuous-improvement-in-udl-implementation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66633243b19160fd322baffe</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:59:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d90f8_66cc826dcb574e32bc1de69d7f4a0e9c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_551,h_307,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jill McCann</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Empowering Inclusive Education: The Synergy of UDL, AEM, and AT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by: Jill McCann, M.S. SpEd and Jennifer Wright, M.A., CCC-SLP Image credit: Darrel Und: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-o...]]></description><link>https://www.openaccess-ca.org/post/synergy-of-udl-aem-and-at</link><guid isPermaLink="false">657c8879e13de1b5df4353f0</guid><category><![CDATA[Universal Design for Learning]]></category><category><![CDATA[AAC]]></category><category><![CDATA[Inclusion]]></category><category><![CDATA[Assistive Technology]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jan 2024 04:03:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d90f8_bd132c42f2a146509ae2f2894aa6bbcd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Open Access Team</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>