Academic Technology promotes Univeral Design for Learning (UDL), or "Teaching Every Student." Many people equate this with accessibility for students with
disabilities, but it really is about teaching every student. Almost every online accessibility accommodation strategy designed for students with disabilities
also helps additional students. For example, English language learners frequently use screen readers that were originally created for people who are blind or who
have visual impairments. The non-native speakers benefit from hearing the text spoken out loud as they read a passage of text.
Overall, UDL assists students with disabilities, certainly, but also assists students who are non-native language speakers, students with different learning styles, students with different levels of Internet connectivity and access to technology, and even students who require more assistance with self-motivation. If you are interested in learning more about Universal Design for Learning, please visit the UDL module on the Center for Teaching and Faculty Development website.
