Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

While AT supports the learning of specific students with specific needs in the classroom, UDL is a framework in which its purpose is to break down barriers and sustain access to learning. UDL is designed with the intention of making the curriculum- as well as learning materials- accessible to students of all abilities. Although UDL has the potential to reduce the need for some assistive technologies in some cases, more often both must be implemented in order to provide a barrier-free learning environment.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) provides the following definition of UDL: The term UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that: (A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and (B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.

CAST is an excellent website for an overview of UDL in the classroom and how to get started. Teachers will have access to many resources that will support implementing UDL in their classrooms including: 

• UDL toolkit that provides teachers with activities, templates and online resources that apply effective strategies 
• Professional development opportunities
• Research to support quality UDL implementation
• Examples for goal setting 

    

The National Centre on Universal Design for Learning website provides teachers with critical resources to be used when implementing a UDL framework in their classes, including:

·         UDL guidelines

·         UDL and technology

·         UDL examples and resources

·         Teacher toolkits

·         Research evidence

·         Videos, presentations, and articles

·         And much more...