UDL Case Study: Biotech Pathways for Teachers of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

This case study explores the Opening the Pathway to Technician Careers Conference, which engaged biology teachers of Deaf students in 2019. The case study describes how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be used to support a bilingual (English and American Sign Language), accessible, and inclusive professional development conference. Best practices for creating accessible professional development opportunities are highlighted, a video that highlights the conference and the educators who organized the conference is provided, communication preferences are considered, and logistical best practices are described. Conference components included hands-on learning for Deaf and hearing educators, informational sessions on Deaf education, relationship building opportunities, universal design materials, and a survey on improving access to learning for Deaf/hard-of-hearing students. A video that highlights a case study on the use of American Sign Language for a biology topic is also provided.