Benefits of Universal Design for Learning

Index

Overview

Universal Design for Learning has the potential to solve the problem of providing equitable educational opportunity for diverse learners. UDL is by far the most satisfactory approach to this problem from economic, legal, and ethical perspectives. Further, universal design is more effective and offers the best solution in terms of overall curriculum quality.

Economic Issues

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Building flexible options into learning materials is clearly more cost effective than retrofitting them after they have been published. Although the initial design and development costs of universally designed curriculum are not negligible, costs will decrease as universal design methods and routines become familiar and available. The development, storage, and distribution of separate forms of curriculum, to be distributed as needed by different learners, does not make sense economically. Estimates of learners who need special accommodation as high as 40% (including those with disabilities, cultural barriers, and those who speak English as a second language).

Companies applying universal design principles can also increase market share because their products serve a broad audience.

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Legal Issues

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UDL is a viable approach for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In the workplace and in school, the law requires that information and activities be accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. Universal design for learning can help providers of curriculum seeking effective approaches for meeting this need.

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Ethical Issues

Before digital materials were available, printed curriculum was the only practical standard. Because printed curriculum cannot adjust to students, students have been expected to adjust to the curriculum. Those who cannot use textbooks effectively often find themselves in separate settings with restricted learning opportunities. Now digital technology makes it possible to create flexible tools and materials that can adjust to students with varied learning needs. This new technology can provide scaffolds so that students with disabilities can participate in mainstream learning contexts. Instead of trying to adjust the student, schools and teachers adjust curriculum tools and materials to lay the groundwork for equal educational opportunity.

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Efficacy

Products that meet the needs of the most challenging consumers also tend to meet the needs of all consumers. Testing a car's suspension on a smooth track teaches the manufacturer nearly nothing about its strength and durability. Test results from a rough road may lead to design changes that actually improve quality. Developers who address challenges posed by learners with disabilities improve overall design quality. For example, a learner with motor disabilities needs to keep keystrokes to a minimum. Building in efficiency to support this learner helps everyone.

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