Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a paradigm, based on brain research, which promotes providing increased accessibility for all students, not just those with documented disabilities. It encourages the use of flexible methods and resources in order to meet the needs of different types of learners. This “open door approach” helps students who are undiagnosed or who don't want to be singled out as disabled, or who have learning problems that are not severe enough to be considered a disability but still impede their success in the classroom.

Universal Design began in architecture and product development where the goal was to make systems, structures and products “user-friendly” to as many different types of people as possible.

For more information on Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning, see the following websites:

• The Center for Applied Special Technology
• The University of Washington 's DO IT program
• The Department of Education

• Disability Services
• Assistive Technologies
• Universal Design
• Instructional Strategies
• Multi Modal Lending Bank
• Pilot Strategies
• UDL Pilot
• Learning Disability