What Is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
Universal Design for Learning is a framework for designing lessons that are accessible to the widest range of learners from the start, by building in multiple means of engagement (why), representation (what), and action and expression (how).
In plain language
Instead of designing a lesson and retrofitting accommodations, UDL designs the accommodations in: text paired with audio, choices in how students respond, options in how they engage. Fewer students need individual fixes because the lesson works for more people by default.
Classroom example
A teacher posts the lesson's goal in words and pictures, offers the passage as text and audio, and lets students respond in writing, drawing, or recording. Nothing is added for one particular student — the whole class gets the flexibility.
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