The document discusses the history and principles of universal design and universal design for learning. It begins by describing the lack of handicapped accessibility in buildings before 1973 and the passage of laws prohibiting discrimination based on disability. This led to retrofitting many buildings to accommodate people with disabilities, which was expensive. The goal of universal design was to create accessible buildings from the initial design. The document then discusses how laws were extended to prohibit disability discrimination in the private sector as well. It introduces the three principles of universal design for learning: providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement for students. It provides examples to illustrate each principle and discusses how technology enables universal design for learning solutions in classrooms.

1. Insert UDL Part 1

2. No Handicapped Accessibility
Before 1973:
Handicapped people cannot enter certain buildings

3. Handicapped accessibility
After Vocational Disability Act of 1973 – discrimination based on
disability is outlawed

4. Dawn of Universal Design
• Many buildings were modified to allow use by
people with disabilities
– This proved very expensive
• The goal of architects was to create buildings
accessible to everyone from the ground up
– This would prove cheaper
– This allowed builders to integrate accessibility into
original design, creating better looking buildings

5. • Insert UDL Part 2

6. ADA
• Outlawing discrimination on basis of disability
extended to the private sector
• Demands reasonable accommodation

7. …ENTER UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR
LEARNING!
To Fix the Curriculum from the Ground up:

8. Principles of UDL
• Provides multiple means of Representation for
students
• Provides multiple means of Action and
Expression
• Provides multiple means of Engagement

9. Multiple Means of Representation
Perception Language and Comprehension
Google Earth
Music and
Dance
Charts and Graphs

10. Multiple Means of Expression
Physical Actions
Expressive Skills and Executive
Functions
Virtual Keyboards
and other
accessibility options
in software
Animation, scrapbooking and
goal setting

11. Multiple Means of Engagement
Self-Regulation
Recruit Interest, Encourage Effort
and Persistence
Blogging, Learner Diaries, Supporting
student knowledge of strengths and
weaknesses
Praise and Feedback, Multiple levels of
difficulty, Vary sensory stimulation and
avoid distractions

12. Universal Design for Learning
Some Technologies are Very Powerful!

13. Print can be a limitation
We live in a high – technology world.
Why should our classrooms not
prepare our children for this world?

14. Technology that can help the words
speak
• Screen Readers
• Speaking Fox (a Firefox extension)
• UDL Editions
– Online books that also support reading level
adjustment

15. Ways to increase expression and
engagement
• Watching and creating videos
• Multimedia and Digital Storytelling
• Voicethread
• Animoto
• Audiobooks
• Yakpack and Do to Learn
Digital Technology makes UDL Curriculum solutions possible!