Universal Design for Learning (UDL) does not just apply to persons with disabilities.  It is a system that aims to improve accessibility for all potential users by employing good design practices, for instance by creating simple, clean, and easily navigable interfaces.  UDL principals can be applied to creating environments, physical products, and written or electronic materials.  

Ronald Mace, who coined the term UDL, identified seven key principals of effective design that are still widley recognized today.

          1. Equitable Use

          2. Flexibility in Use

          3. Simple and Intuitive

          4. Preceptible Information

          5. Tolerance for Error 

          6. Low Physical Effort

          7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

To learn more about these principals, visit the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design website.

  GSSW Guide to Making Materials Accessible

DU Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL)

The Office of Teaching and Learning can assist faculty with the development of learning experiences that are accessible and inclusive of ALL students and adhere to Universal Design for Learning principles. 

  Visit OTL's Universal Design for Learning Canvas course

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)

The Center for Applied Special Technology is a nonprofit education research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.   Since its founding in 1984, CAST has seeded and grown the field of Universal Design for Learning through creative research and development, strategic partnerships, teacher preparation and support, and international outreach.

Center for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD)

The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design was established by the National Disability Authority (NDA) in January 2007 under the Disability Act 2005.  The Centre is dedicated to the principle of universal access, enabling people in Ireland to participate in a society that takes account of human difference and to interact with their environment to the best of their ability.  The principals are widlely applicable. 

             Check out CEUD's UDL Guidelines

Center for Universal Design (CUD)

The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University  is a national information, technical assistance, and research center that evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products.  Our mission is to improve environments and products through design innovation, research, education and design assistance. Currently inactive due to funding challenges but the website still contains useful resources. 

        Read CEUD's Principals of Universal Design

  Latest Publications and Media updated by CAST

  UDL Reading List

• Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies: Teaching and Learning for Justice in a Changing World, Django Paris and H. Samy Alim
  
  
• Culturally Responsive Design for English Learners: The UDL Approach, Patti Kelly Ralabate, EdED, Loui Lord Nelson, PhD
  
  
• Dive into UDL: Immersive Practices to Develop Expert Learners, Kendra Grant and Luis Perez
  
  
• Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom, Patricia A. Jennings
  
  
• UDL Now! A Teachers Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Classrooms, Katie Novak
  
  
• Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Practical Applications (What Works for Special Needs Learners), Tracey E.Hall. Edited by Anne Meyer and David H.Rose
  
  
• Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice, Anne Meyer, David Rose, and David Gordon
  
  
• Your UDL Lesson Planner: The Step-by-Step Guide for Teaching All Learners, Patti Kelly Ralabate