Universal Design for Learning

For an introduction to UDL, watch the following video:



As the video explains,
1. Universal refers to a curriculum that can be "used and understood" by everyone. "Curriculum should provide genuine learning opportunities for each and every student." Learning is not constrained to one thing. We have areas of the brain devoted to recognition (the "what"), skills and strategies (the "how"), and caring and prioritizing (the "why"). The curriculum must allow students to develop all three areas. Designing for those in the margins leads to tools and devices that work better for everyone.
2. To plan for UDL in the classroom, consider two questions: 1) What are the goals? and 2) What barriers in the classroom might interfere with diverse students achieving these goals? To break down barriers, develop instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that adhere to the three UDL principles. Provide multiple means of the following three factors:
1) Representation
2) Action and Expression
3) Engagement

For more information about UDL, visit the CASL (Center for Applied Special Technology) website: CAST Website

Also, take note of the link labelled UDL Toolkit provided on the left under Useful AT Resources.  (The website is a vast resource for technology serving UDL principles and information about UDL.)