Universal+Design

n “ Universal design for learning is a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all." __ [|from : http://] __ [|www.cast.org/index.html] Universal design for learning (UDL) is an approach to teaching/learning presented by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) in which curriculum is designed to allow all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning from the onset of teaching instruction (www.cast.org). The concept of UDL includes frontloading multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression of learning, and multiple means of engagement into student’s everyday academics to reduce barriers to learning. UDL supports address the challenge of diversity. This diversity may take the form of students with different learning styles, students with disabilities, and/ or students with varying preferences. The concept behind universal design does not imply a single one size fits all solution but rather it emphasizes the need for multiple approaches to meet all learners style and the brain’s multiple means of processing information. Every learner is unique and brings strengths and needs to every environment. Take a moment and think of the universally designed features that exist in our daily lives outside of the classroom, such as speakerphones, curb cuts, closed captioning, and automatic doors. These features accommodate all users including those with disabilities. Consider how many times in a week, you utilize these accommodations. Features embedded in daily life benefit everyone.
 * What is UDL?-**

** Multiple means of representation ** • Options for perception • Options for language and symbols • Options for comprehension ** Multiple Means of Action and Expression ** • Options for physical action • Options for expressive skills and fluency • Options for executive functions ** Multiple Means of Engagement ** • Options for recruiting interest • Options for sustaining effort and persistence • Options for self-regulation
 * Principles of UDL **

UDL and Assistive Technology (AT) are complementary supports both involving strategies and technologies for multiple means of expression, representation, and engagement. The two differ in presentation and implementation. UDL’s goal to is design the learning environment from the beginning to address the needs of all students including children with disabilities and eliminate any barriers. Technologies that can be utilized in UDL consist of screen readers, text to speech, word prediction, videos, speech to text and graphic organizers. Assistive technology provides a solution after others have failed. for one individual to overcome barriers in learning.
 * UDL and Assistive Technology?**

[] [] [] http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/
 * Resources for more information and free resources:**

[|What is UDL for RTI training.pdf]


 * Presentations:**

Presentation from SEAC Meeting- April 20th, 2009


 * Possible Options for High Incidence Populations and UDL: ( not an exhausted list)**

[|Options for High Incidence Populations.pdf] __**Links and Resources**__

[|1. Montgomery County Schools UDL LINKS] [|UDL_Planning_Table.doc]

[|2. Links for Multimedia presentations (videos and interactive graphics)-] Teachers' Domain is an extensive library of free digital media resources produced by public television, designed for classroom use and professional developmen t

[|3. Effective video lesson guide]

[|2201 Zabala.pdf]

[|4. UDL You Tube Channel] 5. UDL wiki

The IU AT consultants are available at no charge to the district to present to staff concerning UDL and the softwares/devices that assist in implementation of UDL.

 * Please also check out our resources page, text to speech and our links for more information and resources on text to speech options, interactive websites, and other links. ***