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Speaking and Workshops
Featured Keynote:
Inclusive by Design: Universal Design for Learning for Student Success
Today’s educators are working with students across differences in race, culture, language, disability, neurodiversity, and identity. Many students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, continue to encounter barriers in traditional learning environments.
We often plan for a mythical “average” learner and then spend time retrofitting instruction to meet individual needs.
This keynote reframes that approach. Using culturally responsive practices alongside Universal Design for Learning, participants explore how designing with learner variability in mind from the start can support more students while streamlining planning.
Grounded in over 40 years of experience across K–12 and higher education, this session focuses on practical, realistic strategies educators can apply immediately.
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of learner variability across race, culture, language, disability, neurodiversity, and identity
Practical ways to apply culturally responsive practices and Universal design for learning
Strategies to create more inclusive learning environments while streamlining planning
Companion Workshop
UDL in Action: Applying Inclusive Practices in In~Person and Online Teaching
This interactive, hands~on workshop is designed to extend the keynote by giving participants immediate, practical application.
Participants work with their own course materials, such as a syllabus or assignment, to identify potential barriers to learning and redesign elements using Universal Design for Learning and accessibility guidelines. The focus is on simple, high~impact changes that expand access and create more equitable learning experiences.
Workshop Activities Include:
Guided reflection on how course policies and materials may unintentionally create barriers
A “Udl quick audit” applied to an existing assignment or syllabus section
Redesign practice using udl checkpoints and accessibility best practices
Small group sharing and next~step planning
Additional Topics & Sessions
In addition to the featured keynote and companion workshop, sessions are available on topics including:
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Student mental health and trauma~informed practices
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Autism and neurodiversity
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Supporting students with complex learning and social~emotional needs
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Inclusive and culturally responsive practices across settings
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Transition planning and post~secondary outcomes
Sessions can be adapted for k~12 and higher education audiences and designed as stand-alone workshops or part of a larger professional development series.
Format Options
Keynote
(45–60 minutes)
Keynote + companion workshop(s)
Standalone workshop sessions
Half~day or full~day professional development
Virtual or
in~person
Professional Development Workshops
Janet facilitates interactive workshops and training sessions for educators, faculty, school leaders, and educational organizations. Sessions are designed to be practical, engaging, and responsive to the needs of each audience and may be offered as standalone presentations or multi~session series eligible for PD hours for recertification.
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Special education systems and supports for diverse and complex learners
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Student mental health, behavioral supports, and trauma~responsive approaches
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Autism, neuro~affirming perspectives, and strengths~based programming
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Culturally responsive educational practices and equitable learning environments
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Universal Design for Learning and accessible instructional strategies
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Postsecondary transition planning and college, career, and life readiness
Sessions can be adapted for k–12 and higher education audiences and designed as stand~alone workshops or part of a larger professional development series.
Selected Speaking Engagements
Front Range Community College ~ Keynote and Faculty Workshops
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom ~ Keynote Speaker
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, Boston University ~ Graduation Speaker
Harvard Kennedy School ~ Guest Lecturer alongside Barney Frank
SXSW EDU ~ Professional Mentor
Bowdoin College Education Symposium
Learning Disabilities Network Conference
ASCD Champions of Equity Conference
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Trauma Sensitive Schools
Wellesley College Center for Research on Women
Landmark College Educator Summer Institute.
What Participants Are Saying
Faculty consistently note the practical, engaging nature of these sessions and their immediate impact on teaching.
“I appreciated the practical strategies I came away with, especially since the session itself modeled UDL. I could see the approach in action, and I can honestly say I’m a much better teacher as a result.”
Faculty Participant
“Janet created a nonjudgmental, comfortable learning environment where I could fully participate. The flexibility in how we engaged made a real difference in my learning.”
Faculty Participant
“This was by far the session I looked forward to most. Janet’s perspective was authentic, engaging, and immediately relevant to my work.”
Course Participant
Presented At
