Application of Universal Curriculum
Design to Service Learning Projects
Date: December 18, 2003
Time: 3:00PM, Eastern Time
Dial-in Number: 877-253-3092
Access Code: 488578
Guest Speaker: Andrew Christensen
School & Community Projects
Institute for Community Inclusion/UMASS Boston
Old-Style Teaching
One way to “plug in” to
curriculum
Students needed to find
a way to connect
The Modern Classroom
Each student is
unique
How can all
students plug into
the same
curriculum?
What would a class where all
students could plug in look like?
Different outlets in different locations
Adapters easily available to all
students
Different power sources
No one “right way”; all connections
are valued
Service Learning
Project Scenario A
Instructor: Professor Roger W. Smith
Class: Community Development (SW 410)
Project: Community Mapping—a Means for
Social Action.
About the Project
Focus : Unserved and underserved populations
within the Boston Greater Metropolitan Area.
Area of Interest: Identify shelters, food pantries
and other support services for people who
are homeless.
Product: Final report and series of detailed
maps of findings to be distributed to local
community and faith-based organizations.
Tasks
Access Census Data
Inventory State, Local, Private
agencies
Neighborhood Survey and Interviews
Documentation
Final Report and Community Resource
Maps
Universal Design Applications
Two-part lecture: Cultural and Disability
Sensitivity Training
Videotapes and notes of lecture
available at media library
Reserving time slots of several
accessible computer workstations in
University Computing Lab
Universal Design Applications
Mandatory weekly team meetings;
meeting minutes sent via email
Equipment available for check-out such
as tape recorders, digital cameras, flip
charts, speakerphones, headset
phones, and etc.
Team members were subdivided to
teams of two students (buddy system)
Service Learning
Project Scenario B
QuickTime™ and a TI FF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this pict ure.
SOUTH FLORIDA WATERWAY CLEANUP
 Waterway cleanup by students and
community members
 High School Service-learning Project
About the project:
Students and community members remove trash
and debris along waterways surrounding their
town.
This service project is done on a regular basis in
order to protect the wildlife and make it more
pleasant to swim, boat, or hike in the area.
TASKS
• Conducting a walkthrough of the waterway before each
service day to develop a task list
• Coordinating/communicating with classmates and community
members regarding the tasks that need to be accomplished
• Working with local vendors to secure donations of service
tools such as rakes, shovels, eco-friendly bags and disposal
services
• Clearing the brush and debris from the banks of the
waterway – the banks often times are very steep and muddy
Universal Design Applications
• A small team of students share the responsibility of doing
the site assessment prior to each service day
• An email distribution list was developed for all service
participants to share ideas and communicate regarding
the upcoming service day activities
• A team of students and community members developed a
form letter to be used by all students via email, fax or mail
to secure donations from vendors. The letter can also
serve as a script for students who are meeting in person
with vendors.
Universal Design Applications
• During the service day, students and community members
are divided into teams based on interest and skill
• Teams rotate through projects to giving each participant
the opportunity to try new things and develop additional
skills
• When tools are donated, thought is given to design, height
and grip pads so the tools are more easily used by a wide
range of people with varying abilities