The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) has researched and developed Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an educational framework that recognizes learner variability and aims to provide flexible techniques and materials to meet diverse needs. UDL is based on three principles - providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement. CAST outlines nine UDL guidelines across these three principles to support the diverse needs and abilities of all learners, including those with disabilities, English learners, gifted students, and others who are marginalized. UDL uses technology and differentiated instruction to customize learning and promote academic progress for all.

1. Universal Design for Learning
UDL

2. What is The Center for Applied
Special Technology (CAST)?
• The Center for Applied Special Technology is
an organization that strives to develop ways
to access educational curriculum and learning.
• The Center for Applied Special Technology has
researched, developed and articulated the
principles , practices and guidelines for the
Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

3. What is Universal Design for
Learning (UDL)?
• UDL is an approach to learning that
recognizes the barriers to learning and the
diverse needs of learners.
• UDL helps meet the needs of diverse learners
by recommending use of flexible techniques,
instructional materials, and strategies.

4. The Three Main Principles of UDL
• Principle I.
Provide Multiple Means of Representation
• Principle II.
Provide Multiple Means of Action and
Expression
• Principle III.
Provide Multiple Means Of Engagement

5. UDL Guidelines (1-3) from C.A.S.T.
Principle I.
• Guideline 1.
Provide Options for Perception
• Guideline 2.
Provide Options for Language and Symbols
• Guideline 3.
Provide Options for comprehension

6. UDL Guidelines (4-6) from C.A.S.T.
Principle II.
• Guideline 4.
Provide Options for Physical Action and
Expression
• Guideline 5.
Provide Options for Expressive Skills and
Fluency
• Guideline 6.
Provide Options for Executive Functions

7. UDL Guidelines (7-9) from C.A.S.T.
Principle III.
• Guideline 7.
Provide Options for Recruiting Interest
• Guideline 8.
Provide Options for Sustaining Options for
Sustaining Effort and Persistence
• Guideline 9.
Provide Options for Self-Regulations

8. The Relationship Between UDL
and Differentiated Instruction
• Universal Design for Learning is based upon
individualizing learning for diverse learners.
• Universal Design for Learning uses digital
technologies to customize learning for diverse
learners.
• Universal Design for Learning addresses the
different ways students learn in our media
dominate culture of today.

9. Who are Diverse Learners ?
Diverse learners according to C.A.S.T. are:
• Distinctly “not average”
• Students with disabilities
• English language learners
• Gifted and Talented
• Students who have not received optimal
instruction in the past
• Students who are otherwise “in the margins”

10. Gifted Learners and the Use of
Differentiated Instruction
• Resource limitations for gifted learners limit
academic progress.
• Gifted learners are mainstreamed into regular
classroom settings without appropriate higher
level instruction for their abilities.
• Gifted learners benefit greatly from
differentiated instruction facilitated by
technology within the multi-ability classroom.

11. An Example of Differentiated
Instruction for Gifted Learners
Kid’sVid, www.kidsvid.altec.org/ is a video
software program that:
• differentiates instruction for gifted learners.
• teaches students how to produce videos.
• assists teachers in how to guide students
through the learning process of producing
videos.
• assists teachers with evaluating students
progress by using a rubric.

12. Universal Design for Learning
Promotes Academic Progress for
Diverse Learners
by the Use of Differentiated
Instruction
Facilitated by the Use of
Technology

13. Credits
• CAST,
www.cast.org/publications/UDLguidelines/
versionI.html
• Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age, by
Rose & Meyer (ASCD, 2002)
• Kid’sVid, www.Kidsvid.altec.org/