Skip to main content
Select a language to translate this page
Link to the CAST store
Search

UDL Awards

The UDL Awards are a celebration of innovation, inclusivity, and the groundbreaking work that advances the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Driven by the community, the UDL Awards are your chance to recognize trailblazers who are redefining the future of inclusive education.

Celebrate excellence in inclusive education with CAST’s UDL Awards

The prestigious Universal Design for Learning Awards are a tribute to the pioneers of innovation, the champions of inclusivity, and the visionaries advancing the principles of UDL worldwide. This is a community-driven celebration—all nominations come from educators around the world, and our Awards Committee then completes the review and award selection process. We invite you to honor the individuals, organizations, and projects that spark inspiration and push the boundaries of inclusive education. Recognize outstanding leaders in the field by submitting your nominations for the UDL Awards today.

Nominations for the 2026 UDL Awards are now open!

Do you know a trailblazer in Universal Design for Learning? Submit your nomination to shine a spotlight on their remarkable achievements. Nominations are open from February 12 through April 13, 2026.

Review the Award Categories page and Nomination Guide below to find all the information required to submit your nomination. Then, join us this July at UDL-Con: International Live Online for a special ceremony to celebrate the visionaries shaping the future of UDL.

Submit your nomination today

Note: The nominations form will require signing in to a Google account

Award categories reflecting innovation and impact

This year’s awards honor excellence across three impactful categories:

  • The Anne Meyer UDL Design Award – Recognizing exceptional UDL design and implementation.
  • The David Rose UDL Research Award – Celebrating innovative research that advances UDL principles.
  • The UDL Innovative Practice Award – Highlighting pioneering practices that promote inclusivity and accessibility.

Each award showcases the transformative power of UDL, honoring individuals and organizations that reimagine education for a more equitable future.

Explore the awards categories

Nomination Guide: Everything you need to know about the 2026 UDL Awards

Here, we outline everything you need to know about nominating individuals or projects for an award, the criteria for selecting winners, and the key nomination and award dates.

Thursday, February 12, 2026: Call for nominations opens.

Monday, April 13, 2026: Final deadline to submit a nomination.

May, 2026: UDL Award recipients will be notified.

Tuesday, July 21 & Wednesday, July 22, 2026: Join us at UDL-Con: International Live Online for the ceremony announcing the honorees!

Seeking inspiration for your nominations? Nominees for UDL Awards may include individuals, projects, or organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing the world of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Reflect on the impact of their initiatives and the spirit of openness within the realm of education. You can find examples of past recipients on our Awards Category page.

Self-nominations are welcome.

Current Staff and Board Members of CAST are not eligible for awards.

Make a nomination today

Note: The nominations form will require signing in to a Google account

The UDL Awards comprise three primary categories: the Anne Meyer UDL Design Award, the David Rose UDL Research Award, and the UDL Innovative Practice Award.

Explore our UDL Awards Category Guide to determine the most suitable category for your nomination idea.

Nominations are evaluated against the following criteria by our esteemed UDL Awards Committee:

Alignment with UDL Principles: The work should clearly demonstrate alignment with the three core principles of UDL: Multiple Means of Representation, Multiple Means of Engagement, and Multiple Means of Expression. The design should incorporate various options to cater to diverse learning preferences and abilities.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: The work should prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all learners, including those with disabilities. It should ensure that learning materials, resources, and activities are usable by individuals with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.

Customization and Flexibility: The work should allow for customization and flexibility, enabling learners to make choices and adaptations based on their needs and preferences. This might include options for content formats, assessment methods, and learning pathways.

User-Centered Approach: The work should reflect a user-centered approach, involving input and feedback from learners, educators, and other stakeholders in the design and implementation process.

Engagement and Motivation: The work should actively engage learners and promote motivation. It should incorporate strategies that make learning enjoyable, meaningful, and relevant to the learners.

Scalability and Sustainability: The UDL work should be scalable, allowing it to be used in various educational contexts and sustainable, ensuring it can be maintained and updated over time.

Impact and Outcomes: Applicants should provide evidence of the impact and outcomes of their UDL work on student learning, retention, and success.

Innovation and Creativity: Consider the level of innovation and creativity in the UDL field. Innovative approaches that push the boundaries of UDL are often worth recognizing.

For any inquiries about the 2025 UDL Awards or the nomination process, contact Bobby Moore.

Recipients of the 2025 UDL Awards

In 2025, we recognized five outstanding leaders whose work exemplifies UDL in action:

  • Jérémie Rostan and Beth Stark – Anne Meyer UDL Design Award
    Honored for designing LUDIA, a UDL-aligned platform that supports inclusive, flexible learning for all. Jérémie Rostan brings 15 years of experience in international education, instructional coaching, and leadership. Beth Stark is a UDL consultant and strategist, recognized for advancing inclusive practices and accessibility through pedagogy and technology.
  • Dr. Anya Evmenova – David Rose UDL Research Award
    Celebrated for research that advances UDL and the use of technology to support learners. Dr. Evmenova is a professor at George Mason University whose work focuses on UDL and innovative approaches to learning design
  • JoAnn Miller and Michelle Ring-Hanson – UDL Innovative Practice Award
    Recognized for championing systemic UDL implementation across Wisconsin, advancing equity and access at the state level. JoAnn Miller is an independent consultant with expertise in strategy, coaching, and systemwide implementation. Michelle Ring-Hanson is an educational leader and data specialist with decades of experience supporting school improvement and professional development
group photo of 2024 UDL Award recipients Beth Stark, Jérémie Rostan, JoAnn Miller, Michelle Ring-Hanson, and Dr. Anya Evmenova

2025 UDL Award recipients Beth Stark, Jérémie Rostan, JoAnn Miller, Michelle Ring-Hanson, and Dr. Anya Evmenova.

Recipients of the 2024 UDL Awards

In the inaugural 2024 UDL Awards, we recognized three exemplary leaders in education:

  • Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D. – Anne Meyer UDL Design Award
    An internationally recognized UDL expert, Loui has led district-level implementations and influenced UDL adoption globally, from the U.S. to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
  • Kavita Rao, Ph.D. – David Rose UDL Research Award
    A professor and research director at the University of Hawaii, Kavita’s work focuses on UDL, instructional technology, and culturally responsive teaching, impacting diverse learners across the U.S., Asia, and Pacific Islands.
  • Dara Ryder – UDL Innovative Practice Award
    As CEO of AHEAD, Dara has transformed inclusive practices for people with disabilities in education and employment, including co-developing a national UDL badge program adopted by over 4,000 educators in Ireland.
UDL Award recipients Kavita Rao, Dara Ryder, and Loui Lord Nelson

2024 UDL Award recipients Kavita Rao, Dara Ryder, and Loui Lord Nelson.

Join us in shaping the future of education

The UDL Awards continue CAST’s mission to elevate leaders who redefine education through Universal Design for Learning. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate excellence and inspire change.

Recognize an outstanding leader in UDL

Help us honor the innovators shaping the future of inclusive education. Nominations for the 2026 UDL Awards close on April 13, 2025.

Nominate a UDL leader today

Mobile device showing the CAST newsletter featuring digital tools and events.

Subscribe for updates

Looking to become part of a global movement driving innovation in education.? Stay connected with CAST for for the latest updates on UDL and inclusive education, free webinars, professional development opportunities, and events like UDL-Con: International.

Sign up to stay informed