Universal Design for Learning is a framework for planning a course so it works for the widest range of students from the start, rather than retrofitting later. It rests on three principles: multiple means of engagement, which is more than one way to get and stay interested; multiple means of representation, which is more than one way to encounter the content; and multiple means of action and expression, which is more than one way for students to show what they know.

The core idea is that there is no average student. Variation among learners is the norm, so a course with options built in reaches more students without lowering the bar. UDL is simply good design, and it pairs naturally with the accessibility practices in our other training. For the full framework, see the UDL Guidelines from CAST, which open in a new tab.