Universal Design for Learning

Typical learning settings are limiting and disabling. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that gives all individuals an equal opportunity to learn. It provides the blueprint for developing instruction that works for everyone rather than a one-size-fits-all method. This provides opportunities to customize curriculum according to individual needs of students since learner variability is universal. Learners who are restricted by typical learning settings will ultimately illustrate how to create education that works for all individuals.

Using a variety of materials and methods reaches more learners within the classroom because each student’s brain is unique. Each student’s capacity to learn is as unique as his or her DNA. Using a variety of instructional methods increases each student’s probability that he or she will develop and succeed within the curriculum. Using a variety of materials and methods also creates an atmosphere of plasticity and autonomy, a universally designed curriculum sets the stage for students to become more independent.

UDL guidelines can be applied to classroom and library settings by providing the same information to students in various forms such as a print book, an e-book format, an audio book, or movie version of the print book. This improves all students' chance of success but is also important for accommodating individuals with special needs when making library selections. Schools may have a higher need for certain formats like audio books or braille formats if students experience disablities such as deafness or blindness. This may be difficult due to budget constraints, advocating for multiple formats of material is important to consider.