Diverse Learners Awareness Week starts Monday, Feb. 20. And with over 30 individual events happening over five days, you’re sure to find something that interests you. Following are the featured events of Diverse Learners Awareness Week, but you can find the complete lineup on the Office of Information Technology website.
Monday, Feb. 20
Identity, Crip Theory and Inclusion: Informal Roundtable with Dr. Robert McRuer
10 to 11 a.m., Center for Community, S350N
Join visiting scholar Robert McRuer from The George Washington University in an informal discussion about interdisciplinary theories of identity, how they play out in the classroom and how we might move forward toward greater inclusion and action. Read the full CU Boulder Today story.
Diversity Dialogues: An Interactive Performance with Affinity Arts
4 to 6 p.m., Center for Community, JD Abrams Lounge
Learn different ways to navigate a sensitive discussion when things get awkward or a misunderstanding occurs. Affinity arts uses theater and dialogue to empower their audience with human understanding. You'll be glad you came!
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Disability Studies: Transforming Access in the Academy with Dr. Robert McRuer
10 to 11 a.m., University Memorial Center, room 245
This talk provides an overview of the ways in which the interdisciplinary fields of disability studies and "crip theory" are transforming higher education. McRuer suggests this curricular transformation functions at multiple levels, generating new forms of knowledge and making higher education more accessible to diverse learners in the broadest sense of the term "accessibility." The talk will also stress that disabled peoples' acess to higher education is in a moment of crisis and will consider some of the ways activists, artists and educators are responding.
Wednesdsay, Feb. 22
Inclusive Technology Expo!
10 a.m. to noon, University Memorial Center, Aspen Rooms
How does technology shape your life? Come learn new tricks for things you already use and see new tech you've never played with before. We'll be showcasing everything from smartphone screen readers to virtual-reality headsets to 3-D printers to braillers.
Inclusive Recreation Forum
2 to 3 p.m., Rec Center, Ice Rink Overlook
Join us for the second annual Inclusive Recreation Forum. Recreation is an important part of the student experience by building skills such as teamwork, persistence and accountability that are directly transferable to the classroom environment. During this year's session, we will highlight efforts by the CU Rec Center, Boulder Parks and Rec, and CU Disability Services to provide inclusive recreation programing and infrastructure in the CU and Boulder communities.
Thursday, Feb. 23
Universal Design for Learning with iOS Devices
9 to 10:30 a.m., University Memorial Center, room 235
This session will discuss the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) philosophy in relation to the capabilities of iOS devices. In particular, the iPad is a powerful example of a device that incorporates the key tenets of the UDL philosophy with a variety of built-in accessibility features available to users out of the box as standard options. While many of these features were originally designed for people with disabilities, they can help all learners enjoy equitable accessibility. You will leave with a toolkit for access and inclusion to assist you in providing a more flexible learning environment for all.
Cafe Pédagogique: Diversity in the Classroom . . . and Beyond
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), Twisted Pine Brewery
Cafe Pédagogique is a unique un-conference opportunity to make connections and share ideas. In the classic tradition of the intellectual salon, there will be food and drinks but with a contemporary and playful twist—and we're not just talking about the Plinko board full of topics! Advance registration is required, with a cap of 50 people. The $15 entry fee will go toward a scholarship for students registered with Disability Services. Read the full CU Boulder Today story.
Friday, Feb. 24
An Evening with Slam Poet Andrea Gibson
Show from 5 to 6 p.m., discussion from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.
University Memorial Center, Aspen Rooms
Andrea Gibson is not gentle with their truths. It is this raw fearlessness that has led them to the forefront of the spoken word movement. The first winner of the Women’s World Poetry Slam, Gibson has headlined performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love and spirituality. Join us for a performance on inclusion, identity and activism. Admission is free, though attendees must be affiliated with the University of Colorado community. Stay and enjoy some treats as we engage in a conversation with the artist.
If you are interested in any of the above featured events for Diverse Learners Awareness Week, please register to attend. Please note registration is required for the Cafe Pédagogique event.
