Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that guides educators in designing curriculum that addresses learner variability. UDL calls for providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to reduce barriers and support access and progress for all learners. Originally developed by CAST in the 1990s, UDL mirrors universal design principles in architecture by considering the broadest range of users from the start. The UDL framework addresses three brain networks - recognition, strategic, and affective - to support learning.

1. WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN
LEARNING??

2. Universal Design Learning
Reaching and Engaging All Learners
“UDL is a curriculum design framework that guides educators in
planning for systematic learner variability” (National Center on
Universal Design for Learning)
 Universal Design for Learning Guidelines
*Representation
* Provide options for perception
* Expression
* Provide options for physical action
* Engagement
* Provide options for recruiting interest

3. Inspiration
“First articulated by CAST in the early 1990s, UDL
mirrors the universal design movement in architecture
and product development, which calls for designs that
from the outset consider the needs of the greatest
number of possible users, eliminating the need
for costly, inconvenient, and unattractive adaptations
later” (CAST, 2011).

4. The Three Brain Networks
• Recognition Networks
• The "what" of learning
How we gather facts and categorize what
we see, hear, and read. Identifying letters,
words, or an author's style are recognition tasks.
• Strategic Networks
• The "how" of learning
Planning and performing tasks. How we organize and express our ideas.
Writing an essay or solving a math problem are strategic tasks.
• Affective Networks
• The "why" of learning
How learners get engaged and stay motivated. How they are
challenged, excited, or interested. These are affective dimensions.

5. RECOGNITION NETWORK
There are varying degrees of recognition
among our students.
 Provide multiple examples
 Highlight critical features
 Provide multiple media and formats.

6. STRATEGIC NETWORK
Internal mental and motor patterns-actions and
skills such as making the bed or brushing your
teeth…..
 Flexible models
 Opportunities to practice
 Multiple media and formats
 Opportunities to demonstrate
the learned skill

7. AFFECTIVE NETWORKS
Interaction with the external world with a variety of
situations and people creates a different
experience for each learner.
 Give students choice of
content and tools.
 Provide different levels
of challenge
 Offer choice of reward and
learning context.

8. ALL STUDENTS HAVE AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN
• Curriculum barriers are smaller.
• Learning is supported for ALL students.
• Curriculum and instruction is accessible
for ALL learners.
• Students gain knowledge, skills and an
enthusiasm for learning.

9. UDL….GIVE IT A TRY!
Recognition
Strategic
UDL
Affective