Download Universal Design for Learning (UDL) An Overview

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
An Overview
Craig Struble
Goals

Provide an overview of Universal Design for
Learning

Discuss technology resources and tools that
can help all learners.
The Way in Which We Define
“Disability”
The Medical Model



Disability is a deficiency
Disability resides in the
individual
The remedy for disability
related problems is
normalization/cure of
individual
Interactional Model
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Disability is a difference
Disability derives from the
interaction between the
individual and society
(environment)
The remedy for disability
related problems is a
change in the interaction
between the individuals and
society (environment)
Gill, C. (1987). A new social perspective on disability and its implication for rehabilitation. In
F.S. Cromwell (Ed.), Socialcultural implications in treatment planning in occupational therapy.
(pp. 49-55). New York: Haworth Press
Origins of Universal Design
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
UD Origin and Definitions
Drawbacks of
Retrofitting
• Each retrofit solves
only one local problem
• Retrofitting can be
costly
• Many retrofits are
UGLY!
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
Origins
Universal Design (UD) is a concept
developed by architect Ron Mace. The goal
of UD is to design structures from the
beginning that are accessible to the widest
range of users.
“Universal, lifespan, and
inclusive designs not only
provide minimum basic access,
but also approach environmental
features and products broadly from
a holistic viewpoint. These
concepts can benefit everyone,
NOT just the elderly or disabled .”
UD Origin and Definitions
“Consider the needs of the broadest
possible range of users from the
beginning”
Architect, Ron Mace
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Universal Design
• Not one size fits all – but
alternatives.
• Designed from the beginning,
not added on later.
• Increases access opportunities
for everyone
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UD Solutions
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Universal Design Benefits a Wide
Range of Individuals
The Challenge
Access, participation, and progress
in the general education curriculum
for all learners
IDEA ‘97
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
Origins of Universal Design for
Learning (UDL)
CAST believes that “barriers
to learning are not, in fact,
inherent in the capacities of
learners, but instead arise in
learners' interactions with
inflexible educational goals,
materials, methods, and
assessments.”
Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age, p. vi
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
Origins of Universal Design for
Learning (UDL)
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New Assumptions: UDL
• Students with disabilities fall along multiple
continua
• Typical classes are highly diverse
• Teacher adjustments benefit all learners
• Curriculum needs fixing, not the students
• Curriculum materials must be flexible, varied, and
diverse
• General Education and Special Education
teachers plan curriculum
Principles of UDL
–
–
–
Provide multiple, flexible methods of
presentation
Provide multiple, flexible methods of
expression and apprenticeship
Provide multiple, flexible options for
engagement
UDL and Digital Media
Supported with funding from The K-8 Access Center at AIR
http://www.k8accesscenter.org/
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
UDL and Digital Media
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
UDL and Digital Media
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
UDL and Digital Media
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
UDL and Digital Media
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
UDL and Digital Media
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
Sources of Digital Text
 NIMAS
 Bookshare.org
 Public
Domain (Project Gutenberg)
 Scanning (w/ OCR)
http://www.cast.org
CAST© 2003
What is NIMAS?


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National Instructional Materials Accessibility
Standard
A file set that creates an alternative to printed
textbooks
These file sets can be imported into software
that can display or read the textbooks or
create Braille versions
NIMAS and IDEA 2004

“The state adopts the National Instructional Materials
Accessibility Standard for the purposes of providing
instructional materials to blind persons or other persons with
print disabilities, in a timely manner…” IDEA 2004, sec. 612(A)

“If a State educational agency chooses not to coordinate
with the National Instructional Materials Access Center, such
agency shall provide assurance to the Secretary that the
agency will provide instructional materials to blind persons or
other persons with print disabilities in a timely manner.” IDEA
2004 SEC. 612(B)
Which Students Will Qualify for NIMAS
File Sets of Textbooks?
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Blind persons
Persons with a visual disability or low vision
that prevents them from reading standard
print material
Persons unable to use a textbook due to
physical limitations
Persons certified to have a reading disability
How Will Students Receive NIMAS
Files?
Sources of Digital Text
 NIMAS
 Bookshare.org
 Public
Domain (Project Gutenberg)
 Scanning (w/ OCR)
Scanners & OCR
• Scanners
• OCR Software
– TextBridge Pro
– OmniPage
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Tools to Support UDL:
Text-to-Speech
Supported with funding from The K-8 Access Center at AIR
http://www.k8accesscenter.org/
Text-to-Speech Tools
• ReadPlease
• CAST eReader
• WYNN/ Kurzweil
• Many more
http://www.cast.org CAST© 2003
Free Text-to-Speech Programs
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Click, Speak

WordTalk