Accessibility through UDL Principles

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What is it?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for optimizing and improving teaching to provide equitable access to learning for all students. UDL means that instructors must strive not only to create accessible content, but also to employ accessible pedagogy. A good way to think about UDL is to consider the concept of “universal design” in architecture. For example, a ramp in a doorway helps someone in a wheelchair, but it also helps someone pushing a stroller or another person rolling a dolly. UDL has adapted the concept of universal design and applied it to the classroom. With UDL, you can implement your course in ways that benefit all students.  UDL is about having a “plus one” mindset and offering options to support student learning. In this way, UDL fosters an inclusive learning environment.


How do I use it?

UDL identifies three guidelines that faculty can apply to remove barriers their students might face and ensure that everyone is meeting the same high standards of learning:

  • Multiple means of Engagement: Provide options for recruiting and motivating student interest.
  • Multiple means of representation: Provide options for comprehension.
  • Multiple means of action and expression: Provide options for monitoring progress.
  • Multiple means of engagement focus on the “why,” the purpose and the meaning in learning.
  • Multiple means of representation focus on the “what,” both learning resources and developing knowledge.
  • Multiple means of action and expression focus on the “how,” enabling students to be both strategic and goal directed.