FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2017
TORONTO – In celebration of National Inclusive Education Month, Inclusive Education Canada has partnered with Microsoft Canada to provide free professional development workshops and resources for educators to help drive the most effective learning for students. The partnership highlights the commitment between both organizations to make learning more inclusive and accessible.
“Inclusive Education Canada is very excited to be partnering with Microsoft Canada on this important initiative. By giving teachers, administrators, parents, and students the knowledge and skills they need to make education equitable, we are creating stronger, more inclusive classrooms for everyone,” said Dr. Gordon Porter, Director of Inclusive Education Canada.
Educators today are faced with the challenge of integrating technology into the classroom and teaching students of all learning styles and abilities within an inclusive environment, including students with intellectual disabilities and other accessibility needs.
“The foundation of inclusive education is the belief that all students belong and are valued members of their classrooms and neighbourhood schools. Educators rely on instructional strategies and tools, such as technology, to foster an inclusive learning environment,” said Dr. Gabrielle Young, Assistant Professor, Special Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Inclusive Education Canada Associate.
Starting now through to April, educators from across Canada will be invited to attend free live and virtual workshops where they will be provided with hands-on training. Educators will learn how built-in accessibility features in Windows 10 and Surface Pro 4 devices can give teachers the opportunity to personalize student learning, providing students with an improved and more equitable experience in the classroom.
“Students with exceptionalities may require the use of assistive and instructional technology to access the curriculum and level the playing field; however, the universal design features embedded within technology can benefit all learners,” said Dr. Young.
The first free webinar for educators will be held on February 27th, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EST. It will focus on how teachers can individualize student learning and offer strategies to accommodate student needs relating to hearing, vision, language, and mobility/dexterity. The webinar will also introduce and provide a live demonstration of specific tools available to help support the inclusive classroom. Click here for more information and to register.
Follow Inclusive Education Canada on Facebook and Twitter for more information on Inclusive Education Canada and Microsoft Canada events.
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Media Contact:
For more information please contact Marc Muschler, Senior Communications Officer, Inclusion Canada, mmuschler@inclusioncanada.ca
Inclusive Education Canada (IEC) is a national non-governmental organization committed to quality education for all students in inclusive schools and classrooms in Canadian schools.
