Consider universal supports and useful options
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘How to plan using UDL’
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Identify universal supports
Identify universal supports
Often tools or approaches traditionally offered to one student but can easily be made available to everyone.
This is a universal approach and the tools become optional supports for everyone.
![11415 [UDL-thinking-identify-useful-universal-supports.jpeg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/UDL-thinking-identify-useful-universal-supports__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpeg)
Examples of universal supports
Examples of universal supports
Useful resources in every learning environment.
Common examples:
- text-to-speech
- speech-to-text
- closed captions on videos
- graphic organisers
- essay planning tools
- digital documents
- e-books
- headphones.
- paper of different sizes
- mini whiteboards and pens.
Useful analogy to build understanding
Useful analogy to build understanding
A ramp is a universal solution, deliberately designed from the outset to be used by everyone.
![11401 [Clearing-a-path-Giangreco-cartoon-2.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Clearing-a-path-Giangreco-cartoon-2__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpg)
Reflection questions
Reflection questions
- What tools or approaches do you offer individual students that could be made available to all students?
- What universal supports could be useful to make available across all classrooms?
- What universal supports do you expect to be available to everyone in your workplace?
Source: Adapted from Universal design for learning: Theory and practice (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources
Do’s and don’ts on designing for accessibility
Read time: 34 min
A set of six posters with general guidelines for designing accessible web content. These posters are also useful considerations for general classroom planning and content design.
Publisher: United Kingdom Government
UDL Virtual tour
An interactive 360 deg tour of a high school classroom to see every day examples of UDL. To navigate through the classroom, click and drag the mouse to the left or right. Click on hotspots and magnifying glasses to zoom in on specific examples. Use the map to locate and see a brief description of each UDL support.
Publisher: Maryland Learning Links
UDL Tech toolkit
A Google site with lists of free technology tools to support including all learners in your classroom from the outset as you plan. A wide range of topics are covered with specific tools including: literacy tools, writing tools, maths tools, multimedia and digital storytelling tools, audio books, text-to-speech, graphic organisers, study skills tools.
Publisher: Joyce Valenza
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “How to plan using UDL”:
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Current page Consider universal supports and useful options
Return to the guide “Universal Design for Learning”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Universal Design for Learning
Understand:
- Why UDL is valuable
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Find out about UDLShow suggestions for Find out about UDL
Strategies for action:
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Provide multiple means of EngagementShow suggestions for Provide multiple means of Engagement
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Provide multiple means of RepresentationShow suggestions for Provide multiple means of Representation
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Provide multiple means of Action and ExpressionShow suggestions for Provide multiple means of Action and Expression
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How to plan using UDLShow suggestions for How to plan using UDL
- Gather knowledge of learners
- Create barrier-free goals and objectives
- Identify potential barriers
- Consider universal supports and useful options
- Design the experience
- Teach, evaluate, and revise
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Design considerations in primary settingsShow suggestions for Design considerations in primary settings
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Design considerations in secondary settingsShow suggestions for Design considerations in secondary settings
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Design considerations in NCEA assessmentsShow suggestions for Design considerations in NCEA assessments
