Universal Design for Learning

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a set of principles for designing curriculum that provides all individuals with equal opportunities to learn. UDL is designed to serve all learners - regardless of their abilities - and is based on multiple means of representing information, engaging learners, and allowing students to express what they have learned.

Assistive Technology guru Chris Bugaj does a great job of explaining UDL in the video on the top left. "Building Your UDL Toolkit," the link at bottom left, is an in-depth look at UDL.

School districts are composed of students with various needs. Some of the tools used by students in special education also can benefit English Language Learners, students with dyslexia, students who struggle with anxiety, and students who prefer and are motivated by technology. Consider collaborating with leaders in other departments to share resources, provide training and promote differentiation. If you can demonstrate the need is great enough, propose that the district use general funds to purchase the resources that support multiple populations.

Some textbook publishers provide online versions of their resources with built-in read-aloud feature. If your district does not provide digital versions of the textbooks, you can speak with your curriculum department to find out if they will request this from the publisher/vendor.