Universal Design of Learning (UDL) What is it all about?

 How many of you used a curb cut to roll your briefcase into work today?  How many of you pushed the automatic door button to open the door to our building?  What did these adaptations do?

Accessibility is the Key  All these adaptations are examples of Universal Design of Architecture (UDA)- making the environment accessible to the disabled and non-disabled  Universal Design of Learning (UDL) was derived from UDA-making the learning environment accessible to all students

Center for Applied Specialized Technology (CAST) CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning. Founded in 1984 as the Center for Applied Special Technology, CAST has earned international recognition for its innovative contributions to educational products, classroom practices, and policies. Its staff includes specialists in education research and policy, neuropsychology, clinical/school psychology, technology, engineering, curriculum development, K-12 professional development, and more. 

Universal Design of Learning (UDL)-Defined  An instructional concept that promotes accessible environments and curricula  An educational approach to teaching, learning, and assessment, drawing on new brain research and new media technologies to respond to individual learner differences

UDL-Defined  Focuses on creating curricular content accessible to all students; does not imply one way of teaching or a one-size-fits-all model, but offers a range of options  Intended to remove barriers and make learning accessible to all students  UDL promotes individualized accessible learning

UDL- What does it look like?  UDL is a conceptual framework incorporating: Multiple means of representation-providing options in how information is represented and presented (ex. Internet- based reading materials, audio books) Multiple means of engagement-providing options to engage or motivate students to learn (ex. submitting homework assignments via wikispaces, , websites ) Multiple means expression-providing options for how students express themselves (ex. creating a poster depicting understanding of an idea, instead of writing a paper)

UDL- What principles is it based on?  Equitability-meeting the needs of all students  Flexibility-open to the diversity all students bring to the classroom  Simple and Intuitive-using accessible and adjustable means and methods  Optional Presentation-enabling different ways to teach

UDL- What principles is it based on?  Success-oriented-removing barriers for students and supporting their learning  Appropriate level of student effort-adjusting teaching, learning, assessing to meet the needs of all students  Appropriate environment for learning-providing access and encouraging learning for all

UDL + DI + RtI = Student Success Improved Student Performance Student Success DI Differentiated Instruction UDL Universal Design of Learning RtI Response to Intervention

UDL + DI + RtI = Student Success  Response-to-Intervention, Differentiated Instruction and UDL embody a new and important understanding about curriculum: Poor performance may reflect curriculum disability rather than student disability. They also represent relevant and useful approaches for improving student learning based on manipulation of instruction to meet the needs of all students and promoting individualized accessible learning!

For questions or more information contact Nina Gregory, FDLRS Gulfcoast Parent Services and Assistive Technology Resource Teacher