Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL )

CAST Links to an external site.is a non-profit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.  The CAST website has an excellent area on their website devoted to Universal Design for Learning.  Go to this site and read about UDL.

The National Center on Universal Design for Learning Links to an external site. has created a series of guidelines. The UDL Guidelines 2.0 are described on the National Center on UDL Links to an external site.'s website as a representation of the UDL framework that "...can assist anyone who plans lessons/units of study or develops curricula (goals, methods, materials, and assessments) to reduce barriers, as well as optimize levels of challenge and support, to meet the needs of all learners from the start. They can also help educators identify the barriers found in existing curricula." The UDL Guidelines are organized according to the three main principles of UDL that address:

1. representation,
2. action/expression, and
3. engagement.

UDL Principles

The three areas are:

1.  Provide Multiple Means of Representation

• Perception Links to an external site.
• Language, expressions, and symbols Links to an external site.
• Comprehension Links to an external site.

2.  Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

• Physical action Links to an external site.
• Expression and communication Links to an external site.
• Executive function Links to an external site.

3.  Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

• Recruiting interest Links to an external site.
• Sustaining effort and persistence Links to an external site.
• Self-regulation Links to an external site.

CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author.