Universal Design for Learning

What is UDL?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for curriculum design that fosters an inclusive learning environment. Minimizing barriers to learning reduces the need for individual accommodations and helps to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. Providing multiple pathways to achieve course outcomes motivates and engages students with different learning styles, needs, and abilities.

UDL is a research-informed approach based on current scientific understanding of how people learn. Rather than a prescribed set of steps and procedures, it is a mindset that proactively considers how to optimize the learning experience by supporting the needs of diverse students. A universally designed course integrates multiple means of representation (how content is delivered), action and expression (how students demonstrate their knowledge), and engagement (how students participate).

Learn more about UDL by checking out the following resources:

Am I eligible to use this service?

The Universal Design for Learning service is jointly offered by ASSETT and the Academic Technology Design Team (ATDT), which allows us to work with any CU Boulder faculty and/or departments. 

How can I request a consultation or training session?

OIT staff are available to provide on-demand training for individuals, departments, or groups. We offer consultations, workshops, and presentations about UDL principles and best practices, as well as related topics. Training can be tailored to address issues specific to instructors, courses, programs, and/or disciplines. Contact us for additional information or to request an initial appointment.

Resources

To get a sense of what faculty need to do to implement Universal Design for Learning in their courses, take a look at the Faculty Checklist for Universal Design and watch our video "Universal Design and Introduction to Accessible Materials":

[video:https://youtu.be/ewzDchM5xrY]

As an introduction to learning how to make Word Documents more accessible, watch our video "Universal Design and Accessible Documents":

[video:https://youtu.be/QLTS9FyISpk]

Our CU Boulder community, from departmental units to the individual level, is encouraged to create a 3-year Accessibility Roadmap. While this document should be personalized to reflect your context and provide a realistic timeline, the Accessibility Roadmap template provides guidance.