Universal Design for Learning

Advocates of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are careful not to describe it as a theory per se, though it resonates well with many important theories of education. Instead, UDL is best understood as a principle-guided framework for developing successful educational curricula. Those principles are surprisingly few but remarkably powerful when taken together.  From a UDL perspective, a curriculum should offer:

  • Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge
  • Multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know
  • Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn
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Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) has been nurturing and promoting UDL from its inception. CAST offers training institutes, online courses, curriculum design consultation, and many valuable UDL learning resources.

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What Is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Understood.org's programs for Families, Educators, and Young Adults focus on empowering people who learn and think differently and those who support them, offering customized, accessible resources and a compassionate community.

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UDL Fact Sheet (TEAL)

Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy

The Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL) Center, funded by the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) of the U.S. Department of Education

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UDL Overview (ASHA)

The American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA) is a professional association for speech–language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.

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7 Things You Should Know About Universal Design for Learning

The 7 Things You Should Know About... series from the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) provides concise information on emerging learning technologies. Each brief focuses on a single technology and describes what it is, where it is going, and why it matters to teaching and learning.

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Universal Design for Learning Center (OCALI)

The Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence (OCALI) is a recognized global leader in creating and connecting resources and relationships to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live their best lives for their whole lives.

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Voyager Sopris Learning Resources

A source for blogs, webinars, and whitepapers covering many topics (e.g., UDL, intervention best practices) for school districts, school, educators, and students in literacy, math, professional learning, assessment,

This site is maintained by Owen McGrath (Research Teaching & Learning, UC Berkeley). For questions, suggestions, or comments about this page or website, please send email to: omcgrath@berkeley.edu

You might also be interested in visiting our UC Berkeley XR Community of Practice site.

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Twitter: @CAST_UDL