Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility: A Summary Through the Eyes of an Instructional Technologist

A family friend and former educator that has since moved on to bigger and  better (but probably more boring things) asked me if I was familiar with Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility.  I replied "Nope but I can be."  After some research I found that many of the concepts of Universal Design for Learning fell in line with my own beliefs about how technology can prepare learners with 21st century methods to fill 21st century needs.
Universal Design for Learning is a spin off of the concept of Universal Design.  Universal Design is term coined by architect Ronald L. Mace "to describe the concept of designing products and the built environment to serve the needs of people regardless of their age, ability, or status in life."  Ramps that lead up to buildings and curb cuts are examples of universal design in action in architecture.  Flexible drinking straws, automatic doors, and Q-Drums are example of products that exemplify universal design.  Anyone can use them.

Q-Drums ease the burden of transporting water in developing countries.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) takes concepts from Universal Design and applies them to learning via a framework based on research in cognitive neuroscience.  How?  By creating curriculum that includes multiple means of representation, multiple means of expression, and multiple means of engagement.  Thus giving learners various ways of getting information and demonstrating that knowledge while challenging them appropriately to ensure engagement and motivation.

The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) uses this diagram to break down the concept:

As an experienced educator it seems to me like these are things that tend to do naturally with the exception of "strategic networks".  We plan and present information in different ways to our students (recognition networks).  As for affective networks, educators are constantly implementing various methods to increase engagement and motivation.  Oftentimes it's 20 different thing for 20 students.  

If UDL is a bridge to student achievement, technology is the keystone as it enables all three aspects of the UDL framework.  To learn more check out the video below and take the two free online learning modules available at CAST.