I need your help to change the world! Ok. Ok. That may be a bit dramatic but I do need your help. If you have taught children with "behaviors" or have a child in your life who has "behaviors" at school then I am talking to you.

This year I will be presenting at UDL Con, the largest Universal Design for Learning conference hosted by CAST. It brings together educators, school leaders, therapists, researchers, and accessibility specialists from around the world who are committed to removing barriers and creating learning environments where every student can thrive.

For anyone who may not know, Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is an educational framework that helps us design learning environments where all students can succeed. Instead of expecting every student to learn the same way, UDL encourages us to build flexibility into how students engage, how they take in information, and how they show what they know. The goal is simple: remove barriers so students can access learning in the way that works best for them.

This is why UDL is such a powerful lens for understanding behavior. When a student is overwhelmed, dysregulated, confused, or unsupported, behavior becomes a barrier signal. UDL helps us design environments that reduce those barriers before they turn into challenges.

My presentation at UDL Con is titled:

“When Behavior Is a Barrier Signal: Supporting Behavior Through UDL.”

I will be talking about behavior as communication, regulation as access, and how we can design learning experiences that reduce overwhelm and increase engagement for all learners.

To make sure my session reflects the real challenges happening in classrooms and homes, I want to hear from you.

Teachers:

What student behaviors do you see most often that leave you thinking,

“I want to help, but I’m not sure what to do next”?

What situations feel the most challenging when it comes to supporting regulation, engagement, or participation?

Parents and caregivers:

What behaviors do you see in your child that you wish teachers understood as communication or a barrier signal rather than defiance?

What do you most want educators to know about supporting your child?

School based professionals:

What behaviors do you see most often that tell you a student is struggling with regulation, access, or engagement?

Where do you feel educators need more clarity or tools?

If you struggled in school:

What do you wish the schools understood?

Your insight will help me shape a presentation that speaks to the real needs of the people who support kids every day.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. They matter more than you know.