Universal Design for Learning

What is UDL?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), according to the Universl Design Center, is defined as the design of product and environment to be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation or specialized design. It is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs. It reduces barriers to learning in compliance with IDEA and the No Child Left Behind laws.

How can choice options increase access to curriculum?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides the opportunity for all students to access, participate in, and progress in the general-education curriculum by reducing barriers to instruction. this framework values diversity through proactive design of an inclusive curriculum, thereby eliminating or reducing barriers to academic success. This initiative improves outcomes for all learners. UDL makes curricular content available to the broadest range of students. For example it facilitates apps that will assist students with reading problems. It makes the curriculum accessible to a wide range of students such as visual or learners who are difficult to motivate or engage . 

What are the three essential elements of UDL?

                                                      

 The three essential elements of Universal Design for Learning includes: 

1.  Multiple means of representation  

2.  Multiple means of action and expression

 3.   Multiple means of engagement

Resources for Universal Design for Learning

•  Neuroscience and Learning
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•  Environment and Learning
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•  Teaching Strategies and Course Design
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•  UDL in Higher Education
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•  UDL Research Centers
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•  Disability Research Centers
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•  Web Accesibili

The SETT Framework

What is the SETT framework?

The SETT Framework is a four part model developedby Zabala. It is intended to promote collaborative decision-making in all phases of assistive technology service design and delivery from consideration through implementation and evaluation of effectiveness. SETT is an acronym for Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools. The SETT framework provides a helpful guide for deciding which technology tools will help an individual student. This framework reminds us that the student is the first priority when making decisions on technology


How can it be used to make decisions for student with disabilities and AT?

The SETT framework is used to determine the student's age and grade level, strengths, interests, and skill set. Then the environment is taken into consideration, what are the physical arrangements, the equipment and materials that are available in the environment, the support and resources that are available to students. The next step in the framework is the tasks that the students must perform. Finally in the framework, the decision of technology be 
determined such as the different assistive technology that will support students' active participation and improve their performance.  Assistive technology such as low tech, mid tech, and high tech devices. . The following questions are asked when determining technology:

• What are the student’s current abilities?
• What are the student’s special needs?
• What are the other students doing that this student needs to be able to do?
• What does the student need to be able to do that is difficult or impossible to accomplish independently at this time?                                                                                                          The SETT Framework is very essential in ensuring that informed decisions are made when considering and implementing inclusive technologies for students in schools. The SETT framework  promotes a process that is student centered, flexible, and allows for shared knowledge and collaboration.

Resources for the SETT Framework

·         Personal Choices: Finding Low and Mid Tech Tools That Work For You –http://www.onionmountaintech.com/files/PersonalChoices.pdf 

·         Zabala, J. S. (2005). Using the SETT Framework to Level the Learning Field for Students with Disabilities. Retrieved 26/02/08, fromhttp://www.ode.state.or.us/initiatives/elearning/nasdse/settintrogeneric2005.pdf 

·         Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO): Assessing Student Need –http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/Assessment/index.php 

·         SETT Framework – http://www.joyzabala.com 

·         NZ Ministry of Education. Assistive Technology Guidelines: Supporting Students with Special Education Needs . A guide to support schools and specialists to provide quality assistive technology services.http://www.minedu.govt.nz/web/downloadable/dl7576_v1/7576-assistive-technology-guidelines-apr-08.pdf 

What is assistive technology?

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.

Examples of Low Tech Devices

Low tech devices has no electronic components, they are relatively inexpensive, and easy to care. These include: pencil grips, post its, rug locks, and tactile rulers.

Examples of Mid Tech Devices

Mid tech devices are electronic in nature, they are usually fairly inexpensive, easy to use, and require less training to use. These include: calculators, spell checks, audio books, and voice recorders.

Examples of High Tech Devices

High tech devices are based on computer technology; they require more training to operate and are usually considerably expensive. These include: Augmentative and alternative communication devices, electric wheelchairs, Screen readers, and screen magnifiers

Resources for teachers/parents on Assistive Technology

The following are helpful resources for parents and teachers on assistive technology:

U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/edpicks.jhtml)
The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.

NICHCY (http://nichcy.org/families-community)
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth. You’ll find easy-to-read articles on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, as well as researched-based information on effective practices, programs and services.

Child Development Institute (http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/)
Our website is designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.

Through the Looking Glass (http://www.lookingglass.org/)
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally-recognized center that has pioneered research, training and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. Our mission is “To create, demonstrate and encourage non-pathological and empowering resources and model early intervention services for families with disability issues in parent or child which integrate expertise derived from personal disability experience and disability culture.”

PACER (http://www.pacer.org/)
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER’s work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation.

Parents Helping Parents (http://www.php.com/)
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.

E-Ready Special Education Information for Parents(http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3713)
This page provides parents, as well as teachers, of children with disabilities with information on specific disabilities, a glossary of special education terms, and links to helpful resources.

AllExperts – Special Education(http://www.allexperts.com/cl2/636/education/Special-Education/)
This website allows parents to ask questions of AllExpert’s volunteer experts regarding all aspects of special education; questions and answers are available for search as well.

Easter Seals (http://www.easterseals.com)