Anne Thorp athorp@oaisd.orgMichele Ripka mripka@oaisd.org January 2008

Inspiration

Original focus was in architecture and product design

Designed to accommodate the widest spectrum of users, and meet the mandates of ADA

Based on the principle that its always better to build in than to add on

1. Curb cuts2. Closed captioning3. Large buttoned

phones4. Ramped entrances

and automatic door openers

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Universal Design for Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Learning (UDL)

Definition: UDL is an educational approach to teaching, learning, and assessment, drawing on new brain research and new media technologies to respond to individual learner differences. .

Center for Applied Special Technologies, CAST

www.cast.org

1. A comfortable place to work

2. Printed text3. Eye glasses4. Background music

or other sound5. Pen and paper6. Tape or digital

recorder

Built in tools that promote equal access to learning to increase self sufficiency, not just equal access to information.Flexible methods of

presenting the general education curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Lectures, or any information verbally presented, requires quick auditory processing and recall.

Textbooks demand the immediate recognition of print and rapid comprehension of content.

representation to give students various ways to acquire information.

expression to offer students alternatives for demonstrating what they know.

engagement to help students get interested, be challenged, and stay motivated.

Center for Applied Special Technologies, CAST www.cast.org

David Rose, Founder and Chief Education Officer, CAST

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Brain ResearchBrain Research

Recent research in neuroscience confirms that each brain processes information differently. The way we learn is as individual as DNA or fingerprints.

Center for Applied Special Technologies, CAST

www.cast.org

Provide multiple examples - what it is and is notHighlight critical features - Big PictureProvide multiple media and formatsSupport background context knowledge

Provide flexible models of skilled performance.Provide opportunities to practice with scaffolds. (Supported Practice)

Provide ongoing, relevant and timely feedback.Offer flexible opportunities for demonstrating skill and mastery.

Offer choices of content and tools.Offer adjustable levels of challenge.Offer choices of rewards.Offer choices of learning context.

1. Reducing number of spelling/vocabulary words a student must learn

2. Allowing a student to dictate answers into a digital recorder

3. Reducing the number of math problems in a homework assignment

4. Provide a copy of notes from a lecture

5. Using peer readers or recorded text

6. Increase time allowed to complete work

Accommodations Same content

expectations Allow for adjustments

in time, format, number, setting, presentation

Provide alternative ways to demonstrate mastery

Modifications Adjustments in

content expectations

Have a cumulative effect on missed learning opportunities over time

UDL – an educational approach to designing instruction using tools and strategies to support all students

Assistive Technology (AT) - Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Modifications Accommodations

Multiple means◦Representation◦Engagement◦Expression

Ottawa Area ISD www.oaisd.org/atec

Center for Assistive Technology Services www.cast.org

Teaching Every Student in the Digital Agehttp://www.cast.org/teachinge

verystudent/ideas/tes/

Marzano, Robert J., Jennifer S. Norford, Diane E. Paynter, and Debra J. Pickering. A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Develop, 2001.

Rose, Davie H., and Anne Meyer. Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Develop, 2002.

"Universal Design for Learning." CAST - Center for Applied Special Technology.    www.cast.org/index.html