Universal Design for Learning What is UDL? Overview and Presentation by Tippi Clayborne Walden University EDUC7109 Diverse Learners and Technology Professor Timothy Green

Universal Design for Learning The UDL framework was designed to create educational environments that enable all learners to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. This is accomplished by simultaneously reducing barriers to the curriculum and providing rich supports for learning.

Where did the idea for UDL originate? The term “universal design” is borrowed from the movement in architecture and product development that calls for curb cuts, automatic doors, video captioning, speakerphones, and other features to accommodate a vast variety of users, including those with disabilities. Experience shows that all such flexible designs are less expensive and cumbersome than costly retrofits, and that, in fact, everyone benefits from universal design features, as anyone who has watched video with captions in a busy gym or airport can attest (CAST, 2011).

Who inspired UDL and what are some examples? Ron Mace inspired the development of Universal Design and originated his ideas in the architectural field.

What are some examples of UDL? Examples of UDL in the environment: Wheelchair rampsAssisted Restrooms with handrails elevatorsautomatic doors

Sources: CAST (2011). Universal design for learning. Retrieved 6 April 2011 from Images of restrooms and elevators retrieved from UDL QuickTips (2010). Retrieved 4 April 2011 from df df