Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework developed by CAST.  UDL guides the design of learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners proactively. When you use UDL, you assume that barriers to learning are in the design of the environment, not in the student. UDL is based on brain science and evidence-based educational practices. It also leverages the power of digital technology (Posey, 2021). 

Video: What is Universal Design for Learning or UDL?

 

Why is UDL important? 

Creating universally accessible and engaging learning environments requires both good design and timely accommodation. By applying UDL principles to your resource selection and design practice, you reduce the need for ad hoc accommodations. Creating learning environments that eliminate barriers and maximize inclusion are core principles that inform both theory and practice at Montgomery College. 

 

What does this look like in practice? 

The UDL Guidelines address the why, what, and how of learning (see image below).  

 

The suggestions below offer tips to design meaningful lessons with UDL principles in mind:

• Multiple Means of Engagement (Connect to the Why of Learning)
• Multiple Means of Representation (Clarify the What of Learning) 
• Multiple Means of Action & Expression (Facilitate the How of Learning)  

ELITE offers individual workshops and a series on the principles of UDL. 

UDL Self-Assessment 

To see how familiar you are with the principles of UDL, complete this UDL Self-Assessment: https://forms.office.com/r/fZJ7ayBQfk. Please contact the ELITE team if you would like to discuss your results or to craft a professional development plan aligned to your professional goals.  

 

Additional Resources 

• CAST: About Universal Design for Learning 
  http://www.cast.org/our-work/about-udl.html 
• TCC Library’s Faculty Guide to Open Educational Resources (OER)
  https://tacomacc.libguides.com/oer 
• WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) 
  https://wave.webaim.org/  
• BC Campus Open Ed’s Accessibility Checklist for Textbooks 
  https://opentextbc.ca/accessibilitytoolkit  
• Achieve’s Rubrics for Evaluating OER Objects
  http://www.achieve.org/files/AchieveOERRubrics.pdf 

 

Credit 

Adapted from Jennifer Snoek-Brown and Dale Coleman, Tacoma Community College. Retrieved from https://www.oercommons.org/authoring/55063-open-for-everyone-integrating-universal-design-for/view 

 

References 

CAST (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from http://udlguidelines.cast.org 

Posey, A. (2021). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A teacher’s guide. Understood: https://www.understood.org/articles/en/understanding-universal-design-for-learning?utm_source=google-search-nongrant&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=evrgrn-may20-edu&gclid=CjwKCAjw3MSHBhB3EiwAxcaEuxzjcCR1wfR_0VnGX1f2W8tpmU8Buwy-0HRDmo9Ol2VDHY7idJmGyhoCi3MQAvD_BwE