Five sentence summary Universal Design for Learning or UDL is a pedagogy or strategy in which there are multiple options for engaging with the topic, multiple options for representing the information, and multiple options for expressing knowledge. ADHD brains often do very well in educational settings that use UDL because we can follow our passions and make choices that work for us. The flexibility included in UDL increases the likelihood that we can challenge ourselves, embrace novelty when we need it, and cater our learning so that topics are relevant and interesting. While we may need help organizing and setting goals, thoughtful scaffolding and check-ins make this manageable. If overwhelmed with choices and flexibility, both can be scaled back to help the individual. What is UDL? Universal Design for Learning or UDL is a framework based on the idea that purposefully including multiple modes of representation, participation, and options for expressing knowledge increases accessibility. UDL is NOT meant to be a substitute for accommodations, but using UDL can definitely reduce the need for accommodations. The graphic organizer from CAST below provides more information. Disclaimer: I do not consider UDL to be the be-all end-all of inclusive teaching. UDL may or may not purposefully prioritize disabled students and it may be implemented without regard for equity and justice, trauma-informed teaching, etc. There are multiple interpretations of UDL and ways to implement it.
That disclaimer aside, UDL can do a lot and I think it's a good starting point for ADHD-friendly teaching. By providing learners with options and allowing them to choose what works best for them, many ADHD folks (and other disabled individuals) will benefit.
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