(40) Empowering Success: Healthcare Simulation Transforming Outcomes for the Differently Abled Learner

Abstract :

Introduction: In 2020, a study reported 83.6% of professionals in healthcare were not comfortable with people who have disabilities (VanPuymbrouck et al., 2020). Adding nurses with disabilities to the workforce can provide positive support to healthcare professionals and patients (Meeks et al., 2020). Technology is growing exponentially leaving a gap in knowledge about advances in accommodations that can implement learner success. Simulation is an excellent opportunity to introduce accommodation technology that can help all learners become successful healthcare team members. Simulation offers all learners a chance to view perspectives differently. Today’s technology makes many tasks that were impossible become possible.

Method: Utilizing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework promotes flexible teaching methods to accommodate learning needs and abilities (Dickinson et al., 2020). Learning flexibility helps the learner create critical thinking and explore new and innovative ideas that are crucial to nursing. The targeted audience will be divided into small teams of 5-6 participants. Each team will collaborate and create a simulation task for a differently abled student. To follow, we will conclude the session with group sharing and discussing outcomes.

Results: A post presentation survey will be used to analyze the audience’s mindset pre and post collaboration. The data collected will assist in developing future presentations to improve simulation and transform outcomes for the differently abled learner.

Conclusion: Framework utilizing Universal Design for Learning offers all learners a transformative experience. Experiential learning creates a holistic approach to developing accommodations that benefit all learners in simulation.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: Educational gaps exist around accommodations and the use in simulation for differently abled students. Inclusivity is paramount in increasing a more diverse nursing workforce. Adding learner accommodations to simulation offers all learners opportunities to experience different modalities for both critical thinking and skills knowledge.