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Date
16 September 2025
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/universal-design-for-learning/identify-potential-barriers-to-learning-and-wellbeing

Identify potential barriers to learning and wellbeing

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘How to plan using UDL’

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Identify barriers to learning and wellbeing

Identify barriers to learning and wellbeing

Walking in the shoes of our learners and considering their predictable variability can help us surface potential barriers.

11420 [UDL-thinking-identify-potential-barriers-to-learning-and-wellbeing-1.jpeg]

Source: Chrissie Butler CORE Education (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Chrissie Butler CORE Education
http://www.core-ed.org/

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Consider potential barriers

Consider potential barriers

Potential barriers to learning can be hidden in the choices we make in these five areas.

Barriers are often created when we offer single approaches that don't allow flexibility.

11400 [5-areas-for-consideration-UDL.jpeg]

Source: Chrissie Butler CORE Education (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Chrissie Butler CORE Education
http://www.core-ed.org/

View full image (177 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Social and emotional barriers

Social and emotional barriers

We also need to consider potential social and emotional barriers to learning.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I know how to pronounce every students name correctly?
  • Am I aware of student’s preferences and sensitivities?
  • I am aware of what could diminish or threaten student’s self esteem?
  • Do I know how to authentically connect learning to students?

Examples of barriers

Examples of barriers

Knowledge of learner
Design choice
Potential barrier
Low vision Paperback book Text cannot be enlarged
Decodes text slowly 15 minute time frame for multiple choice test Insufficient time to complete test
Prefers not to speak in front of the class Class debate Does not attend class
Uses a wheelchair Class presentation on the school stage Steep flight of steps onto the stage
Takes time to compose thoughts Fast, whole class online quiz Unable to make decisions quickly enough to participate

 

Reflection questions

Reflection questions

Take a moment to reflect on this idea of hidden barriers.

  • In what ways do you intentionally identify potential barriers within learning experiences?
  • How can you proactively plan to minimise barriers?
  • Discuss ways to engage learners and whānau in conversations, identifying barriers to learning, participation and wellbeing.

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

How to break down barriers to learning with UDL

How to break down barriers to learning with UDL

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “How to plan using UDL”:

Return to the guide “Universal Design for Learning”

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Universal Design for Learning

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How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Supporting ākonga Māori

Understand:

  • How to use this guide

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This is a Ministry of Education initiative​​​​​​​. We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

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Information on the Inclusive Education website is regularly updated so we recommend you check the website version of this information to ensure it remains current.