CAST: Universal Design for Learning

Bridging the Gap through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an initiative of the Louisiana Department of Education that supports educators who are committed to improving educational outcomes for all learners. The goals of this professional development initiative are to: identify principles of UDL, apply UDL strategies to classroom practice and curriculum planning, identify and use appropriate technologies to support UDL implementation, and develop concrete action plans for the continuous integration of UDL principles.

General UDL Resources:

• CAST website and Teaching Every Student website
• CAST UDL Toolkits help educators to understand and apply UDL principles in classrooms and/or to train others in UDL.
• This Master Reference provides an overview of CAST initiatives, resources, and products, links to UDL tools and resources, and other related online links.
• Tools & Activities include web-based and downloadable tutorials, tools, templates and activities to help you put the ideas of UDL into practice.
• Ideas and Information resources provide educators with publications, presentations, model lessons, and case stories that support implementation of UDL to practice.
• CAST publications communicate research results and practical advice on applications of Universal Design for Learning.

Useful Internet Resources –

(Suggested at the June 2005 Louisiana UDL institute)

• Beyond the Text Comparison chart of e-book and digital talking book (DTB) hardware and software.
• Math dictionary provides definitions, vocabulary, and activities in a variety of math areas.
• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives for Interactive Math is a NSF supported project that began in 1999 to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-12 emphasis).
• The Shodor Interactivate website provides a collection of Java-based courseware for exploration in science and mathematics.
• Tin Snips, a special education resource, offers tools for teachers of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders, related developmental disabilities, and children with special needs.
• 4Teachers.org works to help you integrate technology into your classroom by offering FREE online tools and resources.
• LearningElectric.com provides online software training and videos.
• PracticeMill v1.2 is an authoring and testing tool for Teachers and Trainers.
• Guide to Grammar and Writing
• www.WIKiPedia.com

Other resources

• Instructions for “Making Books Accessible to All: Using Multimedia Programs to Adapt Books” (doc), presented by Kristie Stapler, Assistive Technology Facilitator. Contact: staplerk@apsb.org.
• FireFox Notes (doc)

Follow-up dates

September 30, 2005: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
January 5, 2006: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Contact Information

Grace Meo gmeo@cast.org
Skip Stahl sstahl@cast.org