UDL and Accessibility in Learning
Learning with disabilities is something I have always had an interest in, as I've had a number of friends throughout my school years in those shoes. I myself, although I don't have an actual disability, have mild obsessive-compulsive disorder. That's why I especially know the importance of Universal Design in Learning, or UDL, when it comes to academic planning and teaching. UDL is different from traditional teaching and learning in that the instructors focus as much on how their students learn rather than them merely doing so, i.e. what it is they're learning. It means students learn in ways that make it possible for everyone to learn. For example, a video presentation with subtitles may be used to accommodate those with poor hearing or deafness. Basically, all students have access to accommodations, not just for specific students as in traditional learning. Most important of all, teachers actually work with students in helping them decide their learning goals and mos...