Testimonials
Welcome! Hear directly from educators, families, and students about the impact of the Open Access program. Through our focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and Assistive Technology (AT), we work to create inclusive, supportive educational experiences for all students.
Explore these stories to see how our training, resources, and commitment to accessibility are making a meaningful difference in classrooms across California.
"The support from our Technical Assistance (TA) provider, Open Access, has been instrumental in our success throughout the Compliance and Improvement Monitoring (CIM) process. They have provided ongoing guidance, helping us align our goals with best practices and offering targeted professional development. Their expertise in areas like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive education has been critical in refining our approach. Additionally, they’ve facilitated collaboration opportunities, such as peer observations and lesson studies, that have enhanced our instructional practices. The regular check-ins and resources they’ve shared have ensured that we remain focused, adaptable, and able to overcome challenges as they arise".
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Tim Reid, Director of Pupil Services
Nevada Joint Union High School District
"As a district, one significant change we’ve noticed from the implementation of the Compliance and Improvement Monitoring (CIM) Plan is staff by-in. Thanks to data, our district administration, site administration, and the CIM Committee, we have prioritized inclusion opportunities for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Our superintendent regularly discusses inclusion and district goals at meetings. As a result, we’ve seen an increase in the number of students participating in general education for more than 80% of their day, as well as improvement in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores. Students now have increased opportunities to participate in general education classes. The percentage of students in general education for 80% or more of the day has risen from 60% to 69% compared to the previous year. We've also seen improvements in CAASPP scores, and teachers have reported that students with IEPs are performing similarly to their non-IEP peers on classroom tests"
Trina Tafoya, Director, Special Education
Fillmore Unified School District
The support from our TA provider, Open Access, has been instrumental in our success throughout the CIM process. They have provided ongoing guidance, helping us align our goals with best practices and offering targeted professional development. Their expertise in areas like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive education has been critical in refining our approach. Additionally, they’ve facilitated collaboration opportunities, such as peer observations and lesson studies, that have enhanced our instructional practices. The regular check-ins and resources they’ve shared have ensured that we remain focused, adaptable, and able to overcome challenges as they arise.
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Eric Smith, Program Specialist
Morongo Unified School District
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