Increasing Awareness of Universal Desgin For Learning

Have you heard of UDL? Expect to hear more about it. Here's what I took away from a session titled "What's Going on in DC? A Report from the Front Line".

The inclusion of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 indicates a federal recognition of the potential for UDL to improve practice in classrooms and provide opportunities for students to succeed. With NCLB and IDEA up for reauthorization, the inclusion of UDL in HEOA establishes a strong foundation for UDL to be incorporated in these K-12 policies.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN PROVISIONS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY ACT (P.L.110-315)
(Summary of Selected Provisions)

SEC. 103. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS.

(a) Additional Definitions.-

(23) UNIVERSAL DESIGN.
The term "universal design" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3002) [which is: "The term 'universal design' means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly accessible (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are interoperable with assistive technologies."]

(24) UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING.
The term "universal design for learning" means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that-

(A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and

(B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.

For more information about UDL click here to go to the National Center on Universal Design for Learning.