Universal Design for Learning

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What is Universal Design for Learning?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an inclusive approach that recognizes students' diverse strengths, abilities, and learning preferences, guiding the design of educational materials, methods, and assessments to support all learners. Inspired by the Universal Design movement in architecture, UDL applies neuroscience and education research to create inclusive learning environments that foster "expert learners." While not a substitute for all disability accommodations, UDL may help to reduce the need for individual accommodation by reducing barriers and taking a proactive approach to inclusive course design and instruction. Its framework is based on three neural networks—affective, recognition, and strategic—which shape how students engage with, process, and apply knowledge.

Explore the UDL Tip of the Month Series to discover new ways to support all learners!

UDL Guidelines

Three-column infographic showing the three UDL Principles. Each column includes an illustration of a brain with a specific neural network outlined. Column one reads, Provide multiple means of Engagement, Affective Networks. The Why of learning. Column two reads, Provide multiple means of Representation, Recognition Networks. The What of learning. Column three reads, Provide multiple means of Action & Expression, Strategic Networks. The How of learning.

Brain Network

Neural Network Function

Inclusive Learning Considerations

UDL Principle
Affective The "why" of learning: How learners get engaged and stay motivated, how they are challenged, excited, or interested Need to stimulate interest and motivation for learning Provide Multiple Means of Engagement
Recognition The "what" of learning: How learners gather facts and categorize what they see, hear, and read Need to present information and content in different ways Provide Multiple Means of Representation
Strategic The "how" of learning: How learners organize and express ideas in learning activities like writing an essay or solving a math problem Need to differentiate the ways learners can express what they know Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

CITL's UDL Team

CITL's UDL Team is a dedicated group of experts who are well-versed in UDL principles, educational technology, and accessibility standards. They stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices and are committed to promoting UDL principles to create a more inclusive and accessible learning experience for all students.

    UDL Tip of the Month Series

    Each month, CITL's UDL Team shares practical strategies and insights to help educators design more inclusive and accessible learning experiences. These tips are grounded in UDL principles and provide concrete, actionable guidance on fostering engagement, representation, and expression in your courses. Explore the UDL Tip of the Month Series to discover new ways to support all learners!

    Our Services

    UDL-Focused Course- and Program-Level Design Consultation: We collaborate with instructors and eLearning professionals to help make course content, methods, and assessments more inclusive.

    UDL Training and Professional Development: Discover practical strategies that enhance engagement, improve accessibility, and foster inclusion.

    Course Quality Assurance Training: We provide training and expert guidance on course quality, accessibility, copyright, pedagogy, and media.

    Other Resources

    • CAST's About Universal Design for Learning provides an excellent overview of the UDL framework.
    • CAST’s UDL Guidelines provide an organized and concrete set of suggestions for implementing UDL.
    • CAST’s UDL in Higher Ed provides guidelines for developing curricula, materials, and learning environments that take into account the variability of learners in higher ed environments.
    • The DO-IT Center offers articles and books on UDL in Higher education, checklists and worksheets for applying UDL to your course, and videos on how to make your course more accessible.

    Contact Information

    To learn more about Universal Design for Learning and how you can work with the CITL UDL Team, please contact us at CITL-UDLTeam@illinois.edu.