What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is changing the way schools approach education by emphasizing flexibility over standardized, one-size-fits-all lessons. This emphasis on flexibility allows educators to better meet their students’ diverse needs and address barriers to learning before they arise. 

Universal Design for Learning is a way of creating a learning environment that embraces the unique differences in the ways students learn. This includes key elements such as teaching methods and assessments.

UDL focuses on creating a learning environment that is flexible with:

• Engagement by giving students different ways to connect with the material
• Representation by presenting information in formats that make sense for all learners
• Action and expression by letting students show what they know in ways that work for them

Universal Design for Learning is not just about academics. It’s about belonging. Educators who use UDL consider the needs and neurodiversity of all students and create classrooms where every student is empowered to learn in ways that work best for them. When students feel like they have a voice, they’re more engaged, confident, and ready to succeed.

What are the benefits of Universal Design for Learning?

Universal Design for Learning not only improves accessibility, but it also promotes creativity in teaching methods by encouraging educators to rethink traditional approaches.

In our December episode of the All Kinds of Minds podcast, we spoke with Rene Sanchez, Interim Superintendent of Rutland Southeast Supervisory Union, about how UDL has impacted his students and staff, as well as strategies for administrators to implement it in their schools and districts.

Better Learning Experience for All Students

A foundational belief surrounding UDL is that by making learning more accessible for some, it creates a better experience for all. For example, closed captioning was intended for people who were deaf and hard of hearing. However, many individuals who are not deaf or hard of hearing benefit from this feature as well by being able to watch videos on mute in a noisy environment or to help them better grasp the dialogue. When schools adopt UDL, they are not just supporting students with IEPs or 504s, they’re supporting all students by ensuring they each get what they need.

Improved Efficiency

Rene shared that teachers often find that UDL helps them manage their time more effectively. Instead of creating separate lesson plans for different groups of students (special education, 504 plans, multilingual learners), teachers can design a single lesson that works for all. This approach streamlines planning while maintaining high expectations for every learner. Certain accommodations may still need to be made on an individual basis, but UDL can decrease the time spent because it’s inherently flexible.

Stronger Sense of Community

Universal Design for Learning helps build a classroom culture where everyone feels included and valued. Students learn to respect and celebrate the differences in how their peers learn, and teachers often report that this inclusive environment fosters collaboration, empathy, and a deeper connection.

How to Implement UDL

Start Small with a Pilot Program

You don’t need to overhaul your entire school overnight. Choose one grade level or a group of teachers to pilot UDL practices. Provide training, encourage collaboration, and use this as a testing ground to figure out what works.Rene emphasizes the importance of administrators modeling buy-in by actively participating in training sessions and engaging with teachers. At his high school, he ensured all staff understood the value of UDL by attending every meeting and sharing the vision for its implementation.

Show, Don’t Tell

Introducing UDL in a school or district requires strong leadership and clear communication. It’s difficult to get buy-in for something people have not seen in action. Rene shared how visiting schools that were successfully using UDL opened his eyes to what’s possible. If travel isn’t an option, bring in case studies, videos, or guest speakers to inspire your team.

Focus on Connection

Change can feel overwhelming, especially when teachers are already balancing so much. To make UDL feel manageable, connect it to what your school is already doing—like SEL programs or International Baccalaureate programs (IB). Show how UDL complements and strengthens existing initiatives.This clarity helps educators see how UDL fits into the bigger picture and contributes to the school’s goals.

How to Overcome Common Challenges of Implementing UDL

Of course, adopting UDL comes with challenges. Some schools face resistance to change, tight budgets, or a lack of resources. Fortunately, barriers don’t mean it’s impossible. It just requires a strategic plan.

Here’s where to start:

Challenge Traditional Thinking 

Question the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset and show how UDL creates better outcomes for everyone. Tradition-driven approaches often stem from what Rene calls “the soft bigotry of low expectations,” where students with unique learning needs aren’t given an opportunity to meet grade-level standards due to low expectations. Have open conversations with staff to address their concerns and identify specific challenges they’re facing in adopting UDL principles. 

Reassess Priorities 

Revisit the school’s goals and show how UDL principles align with them. When it comes to budget, show that adopting UDL is a priority by investing in professional development, helpful tools, and resources to aid staff members with implementation. Build buy-in by emphasizing how UDL saves time in the long term by reducing the need for certain individualized accommodations.

Celebrate Successes

Use data to show the positive outcomes of UDL such as better engagement, fewer behavior issues, and higher achievement. Celebrate wins along the way to keep the momentum going and continuously share stories of students who are thriving under UDL. Host regular check-ins to highlight progress and invite staff and students to share their experiences during the check-ins. Publicly acknowledging the successes can foster a sense of pride while increasing buy-in from skeptical staff members.

How does Ava fit into UDL? 

Ava, Social Cipher’s online SEL game and curriculum, was designed based on Universal Design for Learning principles. By providing a flexible learning experience, Ava gives students the opportunity to learn and practice social and emotional skills in ways that suit their unique needs.

Here’s how Ava uses UDL:

Engagement

Ava features story and creative modes that allow students to interact with the game in different ways. While playing story mode, students navigate relatable situations like trying new things and meeting new people. Through dialogue-based gameplay, students engage with characters and make choices that influence the direction of the conversations and game outcomes. Because gaming is such a large and impactful part of the neurodivergent community, educational games like Ava create opportunities for meaningful engagement and skill development.

Representation 

Ava caters to the different ways students learn by presenting information in multiple formats. All of Ava’s story modules can be both read and listened to, ensuring all students can engage with the material regardless of their preferences or reading ability. 

Action and Expression 

In Ava, students can demonstrate their learning through a variety of interactive and creative activities such as dialogue choices, pre- and post-module assessments, and building challenges. The curriculum provides additional options such as role-playing exercises, presentations, group projects, discussions, creative writing, and more. These diverse options allow students to show what they know in creative, nontraditional ways that align with their strengths.

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Universal Design for Learning challenges educators to rethink what education should look like and how it can empower every student to reach their full potential. By committing to adopting Universal Design for Learning principles, schools can create environments that build students’ confidence, celebrate their unique strengths, and ultimately improve academic achievement.. something about building confidence in students and improving achievement

Learn more about how your school can use Ava to support the diverse learning needs of your students.

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Sources

Cornell University Center for Teaching Innovation. “Universal Design for Learning.” Link

Sanchez, Rene. “Empowering Neurodivergent Students with Universal Design Learning.” All Kinds of Minds Podcast, Episode 3. Link

Understood. “Universal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Works.” Link