Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age:

Universal Design for Learning

David H. Rose & Anne Meyer ASCD, 2002

http://www.cast.org/

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to designing course instruction, materials and content to benefit people of all learning styles. It provides equal access to learning by removing barriers. UDL allows the student to control the method

of accessing information without adaptation or retrofitting.

The Universal Design Movement:

is a result landmark legislation which has increased usability for everyone
has its origins in architectural studies which challenged architects to become innovative, to design buildings which provide access for all
examples: ramps, elevators, automatic doors, curb cut and closed captioned

Universal Design for Learning is the Educational Extension of the Universal Design Movement. Incorporating the principles of UDL will offer broader access to the curriculum for all students by providing flexible means of:

representing information in multiple formats and media
providing multiple pathways for students’ action and expression
providing multiple ways to engage students’ interest and motivation

Students will have options for how they respond to lesson content, demonstrate their understanding of content and learn. The use of assistive technology can provide students with a means to access curriculum and personalize their learning.

For more information on UDL visit the CAST website:

http://www.cast.org/index.html

Selected Journal Articles on UDL:

http://www.cast.org/publications/bycast/index.html

PowerPoint Presentation on UDL:

http://projects.cbe.ab.ca/sss/ilscommunity/learningspaces/udl.ppt