What Is Universal Design For Learning?UDL is a theoretical framework that guides the development and use of curricula that are flexible and supportive of all students.It is not a special education approach or strategy, but rather an orientation to teaching and assessment that recognizes the diversity in today’s classrooms.
What Does UDL Look Like?Curricula are designed with all students in mind, so materials, methods, and assessments are usable by all.Goals, methods, assessments, and materials are selected to minimize barriers and maximize flexibility.Access to digital materials is an essential component.
Universally Designed Instruction:
The diversity of students’ needs becomes a powerful resource as teachers integrate learner-centered curriculum andaccessible electronic tools into their classrooms.–Cynthia Curry
- Provides multiple examples
- Highlights critical features
- Employs multiple media and formats
- Supports background context
- Provides flexible models of skills performance
- Provides opportunities to practice with supports
- Provides ongoing, relevant feedback
- Offers flexible opportunities for demonstration skills
- Offers choices of context and tools
- Offers adjustable levels of challenge
- Offers choices of rewards
- Read UDL Paper [PDF 1.56MB]
- Universal Design Resources - Information Briefs, Toolkits & Video Clips
- Using Flexible Technology To Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners:
What Teachers Can Do