Open Access Newsletter

Open Access is a statewide Special Education Resource Lead based in the foundational belief that with access to quality curriculum & instruction, students with disabilities can engage, actively participate, and learn with inclusive settings.



Learning and participation for all…where UDL, AT, and AAC collide

A Message From CCEE

Mindy Fattig

Melissa Hodgson

Mindy Fattig, Senior Advisor, and Melissa Hodgson, Senior Program Specialist, serve as essential liaisons and service providers within the California Statewide System of Support (SSOS) at the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). With a strong foundation in district and county leadership, they bring deep expertise in systems improvement, collaboration, and student-centered support.


Established by the California State Legislature and Governor, the CCEE advises and assists local educational agencies (LEAs)—including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools—in achieving the goals outlined in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs). As a critical component of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), CCEE plays a pivotal role in supporting equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students across California.


Working Together for Inclusive Education

As proud partners in the California Statewide System of Support, we collaborate closely with Open Access, a Special Education Resource Lead funded by the California Department of Education. Our shared mission centers on improving outcomes for students with disabilities by advancing inclusive practices through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), professional learning, and systems-level coaching. This partnership reflects a collective commitment to equity, access, and meaningful inclusion, especially for students with the most significant needs.


Highlights of Our Work Supporting Accessibility and Inclusion

Strategic Collaboration with Statewide Leads

 CCEE aligns efforts with other state-funded initiatives and Special Education Resource Leads, such as Open Access, to embed inclusive practices within broader systems of support.


Launch of the Statewide System of Support Resource Hub and Directory

 CCEE developed a powerful online platform that provides free, high-quality tools and resources. With this tool, County Offices of Education, districts, charter schools, Special Education Local Plan Areas, and other educational partners in California, can find information about state-funded initiatives, resources, and contact information for System of Support partners to employ best practices, facilitate improvement plans, and improve student outcomes.

 

Promoting UDL and Inclusive Practices Statewide

 By embedding Universal Design for Learning strategies across our partnerships, we are shaping learning environments that are more flexible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all learners in California.

Together with Open Access, we’re building systems that support every student, every day.


Don’t Miss the SSOS Virtual Conference

Mark your calendars for the System of Support Virtual Conference on November 12. Join us for this no-cost webinar focused on connecting, learning, and collaborating with educators across California. To learn more, watch the Connecting California Video and be sure to submit your registration to attend this valuable statewide event!


Spotlight Section

Open Access logo with an orange key inside the letter O. Learning and participation for ALL is written below the words Open Access.

Open Access Goals for 2025-2026


At Open Access, we’re excited to launch into the 2025–2026 school year with a renewed commitment to increasing student access through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Assistive Technology (AT), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Our work this year is organized into four powerful areas: Universal Capacity, Targeted Capacity, Intensive Capacity, and Integration & Impact.


Universal Capacity

Open Access aims to expand educator knowledge through no-cost, high-quality professional learning experiences. This year, Open Access will:

  • Deliver in-person and virtual trainings on UDL, AT, and AAC in both fall and spring
  • Offer Access Windows for asynchronous courses throughout the year
  • Release bi-monthly newsletters and monthly webinars packed with practical strategies
  • Launch monthly episodes of our Open Access Podcast, spotlighting UDL in action
  • Share curated resources and webinars on our website for anytime access


Targeted Capacity

Open Access is expanding regional reach by adding new Regional Implementation Leads and providing coaching tailored to local needs. This includes:

  • Developing a universal coaching system for UDL, AT, and AAC
  • Offering training, coaching, and system support to schools, districts, County Offices of Education, and SELPAs throughout the state of California
  • Updating materials for regional leads


Intensive Capacity

Through deep partnerships with schools and districts, Open Access is supporting implementation from planning to action. Key actions include:

  • Completing District Capacity Assessments
  • Supporting districts in carrying out their implementation plans
  • Co-creating a Technical Assistance Playbook grounded in feedback and evidence-based practices


Integration & Impact

Open Access believes in the power of collaboration to create sustainable change. This year, Open Access will:

  • Partner with State System of Support partners to expand the impact of UDL practices statewide
  • Continue our Strategic Connection Plan to align efforts and amplify innovation
  • Support Showcase Site development by guiding schools through the implementation of Universal Design for Learning and accessibility-focused practices


Together, Open Access is building a more accessible, inclusive, and integrated education system for all learners. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s keep unlocking access together.

Key Resource for Successful Implementation

of UDL, AT, and AAC

Open Access Website 

The Open Access website is your go-to hub for implementing UDL, AT, and AAC. It offers on-demand access to high-quality resources, recorded trainings, FlipKits, and professional learning opportunities, all designed to support inclusive practices and increase student access. Whether you're an individual educator or part of a district team, the website provides practical tools and ongoing support to help you move from exploration to full implementation.

Open Access Trainings for 2025-2026:

Registration is Open!

2025-2026: UDL Immersion

In-Person UDL Immersion
Virtual UDL Immersion

2025-2026: UDL/AT Immersion

In-Person UDLAT Immersion
Virtual UDLAT Immersion

2025-2026: AAC Foundations

In-Person AAC Foundations
Virtual AAC Foundations

UDL Learning Opportunity for Secondary Educators

Starting September 2025: Join our Networked Improvement Community (NIC) for Secondary Education: Lesson Design Study. This collaborative group will meet monthly to exchange resources, co-design lessons, and share best practices to improve student learning outcomes.

UDL NIC Flyer

Inclusive Learning Circles

Monthly Community of Practice

Fostering Synergy Between UDL, AT, & AAC 

Open to all educators to expand knowledge & share best practices 

Inclusive Learning Circles Flyer

AbleNet Virtual Learning Event

Clicker Virtual Learning Event

Unlocking Student Engagement: 

Math and UDL Strategies

Empowering Readers: Tools and Strategies to Support Reading Success 

Asynchronous Course Offerings

For general questions and information about Open Access, please email us at

lpadilla@placercoe.org or lbalsano-wright@placercoe.org

Follow, Post, and Tag!

Facebook  Instagram  X  YouTube

Open Access invites our partners to share events and news in their area to be shared on our social media platforms. Complete the brief survey to provide us with important information for sharing on our social media platforms.