Students with learning disabilities are expected to learn material presented in the classroom regardless of their abilities. All children have the ability to learn. Universal Design for Learning can be used to adapt the curriculum in order to accommodate the individual needs of learners.

Universal Design for Learning gives all students the opportunity to become actively involved in process of learning. Because students with learning disabilities learn in different ways, curriculum that has been universally designed give access to the material presented in different ways at different levels.

Most curriculums are designed for students that do not have barriers to learning. In these instances, differentiated instruction, along with accommodations and modification are needed. The teacher makes adjustments to the lesson that will accommodate each student. This process beneficial, yet time consuming.

Universal Design for Learning takes physical and cognitive barriers into consideration when designing the curriculum. This design presents subject matter in different ways, such as visual, auditory, and written. The complexity of material is also adjusted. The objective of the material is met by presenting different ways of accessing the material.

The Universal Design for Learning is an educational framework that is researched based. The information presented is meant to be rigorous for all learners. Technology is encouraged in the classroom. Several organizations are integrating the methods of teaching by using technology. These programs can benefit students with learning disabilities, as well as regular education students.

The classroom has changed drastically over the years. Many schools are integrating students with disabilities with regular education students by offering inclusion services. The Universal Design for Learning allows curriculum that is designed with a diverse learning environment in mind. It will allow all students to learn at their particular level of comfort while addressing different learning needs.

The ability to design instruction according to the needs of students using technology is a great step in the direction of accommodating all learners. All students learn in different ways because of environment, background, and learning experiences. The Universal Design for Learning removes the barriers that hold many students back.


Article By Celestine A. Gatley
Celestine Gatley´s Designed Transformation Blog