DO IT: Equal Access: Universal Design for Instruction

After learning and exploring the ins and outs of UDL or Universal Design for Learning, I was left wondering how to make my classroom more "UDL friendly" as quickly and inexpensively as possible. With funds for technology not easily accessible in my school district, I was happy to read the article, "Equal Access:Universal Design for Instruction" from the University of Washington's DO IT website. DO IT is and international center that promotes the success of individuals with disabilities. Although they focus primarily on post-secondary education, I was found their resources to very useful at many levels. 

                                                             

The article was an easy to understand checklist for inclusive teaching without having to purchase costly software programs or technology. UDI as they call it, was described by the author as, "rather than designing for the average student, you design instruction for students who potentially have broad ranges with respect to ability, disability, age, reading level, learning style, native language, race, ethnicity, and other characteristics" (Burgstahler, 2012). I found this definition to fit perfectly with my topics on UDL in my previous posts. 

Besides recommending that you check out the article, be sure to print out the "Communication Hints" that was provided at the close of the article. It's a great reference that educators or anyone who interacts with people with disabilities can use immediately. It clearly provided respectful ways to communicate with people with various disabilities. As a classroom teacher this list will assist me in creating a comfortable learning environment for all of my students.

REFERENCES

Burgstahler , S. (2012). Equal Access:Universal Design for Instruction. Retrieved June 9, 2013, from http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/PDF/equal_access_udi.pdf