Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning takes the ideas behind Universal Design and applies them to the learning environment. The goal of UDL is to design curriculum that can be used and understood by everyone and to eliminate barriers in the learning environment to create learning experiences that are accessible to all people regardless of their differences. 

The UDL approach is different than providing accommodations for individual students because the UDL approach is proactive. Using the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines, we design learning experiences that are accessible to ALL learners right from the start, so in many cases, it's not necessary to make accommodations for individual students. Strengths, weaknesses, and disabilities are dependent on the environment. When we change the environment, we change what learners can do. 

Universal Design for Learning is based on scientific research about how the brain works. 

The guidelines for Universal Design for Learning include three networks:

1. Affective Networks
2. Strategic Networks
3. Recognition Networks

For an overview of UDL, please view the video, "Universal Design for Learning" (4:35).

Transcript - Universal Design for Learning Remix with Higher Ed Images Download Transcript - Universal Design for Learning Remix with Higher Ed Images

Action Plan Peer Assignment

This week, you will be developing an Action Plan as your peer assignment. To provide a focus as you learn about UDL, we wanted to share the details of the assignment at the beginning of the week. Please review the video: Instructions for the Action Plan Assignment (2:01). Then, as you move through the content for this week, keep your action plan in mind!

Transcript: Instructions for the Action Plan Assignment Download Instructions for the Action Plan Assignment

CAST - Center for Applied Special Technology

If you're interested in learning more about UDL, the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) is a valuable resource. CAST is a nonprofit education research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning. 

On the CAST Links to an external site. website, you can find information about the Guidelines for UDL, brain and learning research, and other UDL topics. 

The UDL on Campus Links to an external site. website is geared towards higher education and offers information on course design, media & materials, accessibility and policy. 

Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice Links to an external site. by UDL experts, Anne Meyer, David H. Rose, and David Gordon is available at no cost in digital format (although you will need to create an account to access it.) This book is also available in print through Amazon Links to an external site.. 

You can review a graphical representation of the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines Links to an external site. on this CAST webpage. 

Strengths, weaknesses, and disabilities are dependent on the environment. When we change the environment, we change what learners can do. 

Estimated time on this page: 10 minutes