Accessibility Toolkit

UDL stands for Universal Learning Design. UDL's ultimate goal is to craft a successful curriculum while recognizing that every student learns differently. Every educator deals with unique and diverse classrooms and classrooms need to be designed from the start to meet this diversity. UDL is an approach to curriculum that minimizes barriers and maximizes learning for all students. When you use UDL, assume the barriers to learning are in the design of the environment and not the student. UDL is in large part made possible through the creative use of various accessibility tools.  

Let's break it down:

Universal - Your curriculum should be understood and used universally; that is, designed to address diverse populations. This should be the foundation from which the learning experience revolves around. What does that look like? 

Design -  The best way to think of design is through an architecture metaphor. Think of a building designed to be flexible and accommodate all kinds of people. These buildings are designed with people in the margins in mind. As a result, the building is better for everyone. Applying this flexibility using tools such as closed captioning and color blindness accessibility will ensure an engaging and empowering path for all.   

Learning - Learning isn't just about the content! Students need to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. Every student is unique and one size does not fit all, be sure to offer opportunities for learners of all types to engage on their own terms.  

For more information, watch the video below and remember: 

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING = LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL 

Source: CAST. (2018). About universal  design for learning. Retrieved from  http://www.cast.org/our-work/about-udl.html