Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Our approach takes inspiration from Universal Design for Learning or UDL, which is a course design framework. The framework consists of three principles that are informed by research on how we learn:
- Provide multiple means of Engagement
- Provide multiple means of Representation
- Provide multiple means of Action & Expression
Based on these principles, UDL offers a set of guidelines with suggested strategies that you can mix and match in your course(s) to reduce barriers to learning. Major components of this framework include increasing accessibility of the course materials, environment, and assignments, but with the understanding that making these changes actually removes barriers to learning for all students. You can learn more about this framework at CAST’s About Universal Design for Learning.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These guidelines address the creation of web content developed by The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and are now referenced in laws around the world. The guidelines are based on the idea that web content should be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust for all individuals. We used WCAG 2.1 guidelines to inform the strategies on this website, and throughout this website you’ll find links to guidelines that inform the strategies for that topic. For example, WCAG 1.3.1, WCAG 1.3.2, and WCAG 2.4.6 are guidelines for the section “Document Headings.”
Please note: While we link to the relevant guidelines for each topic, we don’t expect you to read W3C’s documentation right now. These links are here as a reference for our materials, as well as an optional resource to enhance your accessibility knowledge beyond the strategies listed on this website. The documentation goes more in-depth about different ways to meet those guidelines.
If you’d like to learn more about WCAG, we recommend reviewing W3C’s WCAG 2 Overview.