# Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences Training Program:  Enhancing Inclusivity Through Universal Design for Learning in Graduate Courses

> **NIH NIH T32** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $86,264

## Abstract

Project Summary
The aim of this supplement to the Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences T32 training program
is to accelerate efforts to promote inclusive learning in biomedical graduate courses at Johns
Hopkins University (JHU), through implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
approaches. There is institutional support for students who need accommodations in courses.
However, not all students make these requests, and such accommodations do not extend to other
students who may also benefit from them. UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning
goals, as well as course materials, delivery and assessments, in a way that accommodates
learners from different backgrounds and with diverse learning preferences. Designing courses to
provide content in an accessible way as a default for all students increases inclusivity, reducing
the need for special accommodations and avoiding singling-out students with documented
disabilities. We strive for such inclusive learning environments, however, competing demands on
faculty create real barriers to implementing UDL best practices into courses, which we intend to
address through this supplement. To maximize the initial impact of this project at JHU, we will
implement inclusive practices in graduate courses which are team-taught by faculty from multiple
departments and taken by students in other training programs. The objectives of the project are
to promote awareness in many JHU programs of how UDL enhances inclusivity, and to provide
direct support in revising course materials and delivery. In collaboration with an Instructional
Designer, we will engage course directors, faculty instructors and TAs in a targeted, structured
way to lower the barrier to UDL implementation by: 1) educating on UDL rationale and concepts,
and available resources, 2) providing specific guidance on course design and delivery, and 3)
helping course directors and instructors with transition of course materials and delivery to
accessible formats. The proposed activities are a key catalyst to surmount initial barriers of
transforming courses and creating the platform to educate faculty and TAs and impart skills that
they can build on. Participating faculty and TAs will serve as ambassadors within their
departments and programs. Together with an established educational platform and institutional
support, this will impact many T32 programs at JHU in a sustainable way to ensure UDL best
practices in all courses.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10592034
- **Project number:** 3T32GM135083-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Caren L. Freel Meyers
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $86,264
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10592034

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10592034, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences Training Program:  Enhancing Inclusivity Through Universal Design for Learning in Graduate Courses (3T32GM135083-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10592034. Licensed CC0.

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