Universal Design for Learning

UDL uses universal design principles in teaching and learning. It is a way to create lessons that help learners with different needs, likes, and abilities right from the beginning, instead of changing lessons later.

Key point

UDL is a way for teachers to plan lessons, not just a list of special help for students with disabilities. It asks teachers to plan for all students to have flexible learning from the start, instead of fixing problems as they come up.

The UDL framework is based on three main principles. Providing multiple means of:

Body of Knowledge (opens in new window)

Engagement (the “why” of learning)
Representation (the “what” of learning)
Action (the “how” of learning)