Universal Design for Learningand

Assistive Technology

By Katie Carter

What do ALL teachers strive to do in their daily

profession?

Think, pair, share!

Ideas From Educators Engagement for all

learners Challenges provided High expectations Students gain

knowledge Enthusiasm for learning

How can we reach these goals on a daily basis with the challenges and

range of abilities in today’s classroom?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

According to The Center for Applied and Special Technologies, “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework and set of principles to provide ALL students equal opportunities to learn. UDL principles make curriculum goals, instructional materials, teaching methods and assessments accessible and engaging for all learners. Barriers are reduced; supports and challenges are provided; high expectations are maintained; students gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning; and their learning is validly assessed.”

Sound Familiar?UDL is smart teaching that benefits ALL teachers and students!

Children come to our classrooms with a wide array of skills, needs and interests. Three primary brain networks come into

play:

The 3 Principles of UDLThese principles directly link to the brain networks of learning

Teachers need to provide students with multiple means of:

Representing Information “What” is being learned?

Action Expression “How” are student showing what they

learn? Engagement

“Why” are they learning the information?

Current examples of UDL in my classroom.

Background Building Activities

Organization of materials and tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks

Simplified vocabulary

Graphic organizers for vocabulary acquisition

Changes in size, color, and type of fonts

Elimination of extraneous information from page

Use of internet resources for hands-on, engaging activities

More Ideas for Implementing UDL In The Classroom

National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Planning for UDL One way to plan for UDL is utilizing the SETT

Framework

Thinking about the Student, Environment, Task and Tools will allow educators to meet the needs of all their students.

Once the learner is understood, Assistive Technology (AT), may be required to appropriately plan for children in your classroom.

Assistive Technology

Devices and services used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with

disabilities. IDEA 2004:Section 601 (1)

*AT does not included medically implanted devices.

AT Device ExamplesLow Tech

Picture symbols Communication

Boards Screen Reader Highlighting Tape Wiki Sticks Timer

High Tech Computer Communication

Board Speech Generating Device Braille Embosser Watch Minder Screen Readers and Word

Predicting Software-such as Kurzweil

AT ServicesIn order for children to use AT devices

appropriately, services need to be provided. These services include: The selection, acquisition, and use of an AT

device for users, support staff & families Customizing and maintaining of equipment Coordinating the implementation and plan for

how AT is used in the classroom

How Does UDL and AT Impact The Classroom? It encourages teachers to see their students not as

part of two categories—disabled or not—but as representing a range of different educational needs, each of which should be accounted for in a model classroom.

UDL requires teachers to continuously identify and eliminate curricular barriers in order to provide access to all learners.

It forces teacher to appropriately plan for the diverse needs of the classroom.

As a participant in this information session, you have the power to influence other educators about UDL.

UDL and the LawFederal UDL supports IDEA 2004:Section 601

State As of 2010, a bill related to UDL implementation is enrolled entitled

“Task Force to Explore the Incorporation of the Principles of Universal Design for Learning into the Education Systems in Maryland”. Click the link BELOW to learn more about this law.

http://udl4maryland.webs.com/udldownloads.htm

Sources Center for Applied Special Technology

http://www.cast.org/udl/

Universal Design for Learning in Maryland http://udl4maryland.webs.com/

National Center for Universal Design for Learning http://www.udlcenter.org/