UDL Awards Categories

Anne Meyer UDL Design Award

The Anne Meyer Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Award in Innovative Design, named in honor of CAST co-founder Anne Meyer, celebrates trailblazing achievements in the realm of educational design of tools, applications, and physical environments that enable learner-centered development. UDL promotes learner-centered design of tools, applications, and physical environments that support fully accessible, intuitive, and flexible instruction. This award recognizes companies, organizations, teams, or individuals whose creative work embodies the principles of UDL through inclusive tools, and environments. While open to any qualifying innovation, we are particularly interested in applications incorporating AI to advance individualized learning.

Eligible candidates for the Anne Meyer UDL Award in Innovative Design may include innovations that demonstrate the following:

• Novel design solutions for tools, applications, and physical environments that seamlessly integrate the principles of UDL, fostering inclusive and flexible learning opportunities for all wherever learning happens.
• Tools, applications, and physical environments that support learning that prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, engagement, and belonging for learners of all backgrounds.
• Flexible materials, multimedia resources, or educational tools aligned with UDL principles that meet the needs of varied learners.
• The use of design thinking to address challenges related to curriculum development, assessment, and the overall educational experience for diverse populations.
• Collaboration with educators, students, and communities to co-create UDL-inspired solutions that enhance the overall inclusivity of educational spaces.

The Anne Meyer UDL Award in Innovative Design celebrates and highlights the transformative impact of the design of tools, applications, and physical environments on educational flexibility and inclusivity, encouraging professionals to think creatively and proactively about how to create environments that are universally inclusive and engaging for all learners.

Prior Anne Meyer UDL Design Award Recipients

2025 – Beth Stark and Jérémie Rostan – 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.

2024 – Loui Lord Nelson – Loui was recognized for her dedication to UDL through her collection of UDL-aligned tools and resources, her podcast UDL in 15 Minutes, and promotion of UDL growth internationally.

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David Rose UDL Research Award

The David Rose Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Award in Innovative Research, named for CAST co-founder David Rose, recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of education through research that advances the principles and implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that promotes inclusive and accessible learning environments by providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to accommodate diverse learner needs.

This prestigious award honors researchers who have demonstrated excellence in investigating and implementing strategies, methodologies, and technologies that enhance the educational experience for all learners, regardless of their individual differences, abilities, or backgrounds.

Eligible candidates for the UDL Award in Innovative Research may include researchers, scholars, and practitioners who have:

• Developed robust research studies using cutting-edge research methodologies that contribute to the understanding of how UDL principles can be effectively applied in various educational settings.
• Conducted empirical studies that showcase the impact of UDL on student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall educational inclusivity and diversity.
• Contributed significantly to the dissemination of UDL research through publications, presentations, and collaborations that promote widespread awareness and adoption.
• Demonstrated a commitment to fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and policymakers to integrate UDL principles into mainstream educational practices.

The UDL Award in Innovative Research aims to celebrate and showcase the transformative impact of research on the advancement of UDL, inspiring educators and institutions worldwide to embrace inclusive practices and create learning environments that cater to the needs of every learner.

Prior David Rose UDL Research Award Recipients

2025 – Anya Evmenova is a professor at George Mason University who has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to Universal Design for Learning through her research, teaching, and leadership in special education. She authored numerous peer-reviewed publications advancing UDL implementation across K–12 and higher education, with a particular focus on assistive and instructional technologies. Her work consistently elevates UDL as both a framework and a set of values that strengthen pedagogy, expand access, and foster more equitable learning environments for all students.

2024 – Kavita Rao is Professor and Director of the College of Education Research Institute at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She has shown exceptional leadership in advancing Universal Design for Learning through research, teaching, and systems-level collaboration. Her work centers on instructional and assistive technology, UDL, instructional design, and online learning, with a strong emphasis on culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Through sustained partnerships with state education agencies and schools across the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific Islands, she has helped translate UDL principles into inclusive, globally informed educational practice.

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UDL Innovative Practice Award

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Innovative Practice Award seeks to recognize and celebrate educators, instructional leaders, and practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity in implementing UDL principles within their teaching practices. This award acknowledges the transformative impact of innovative pedagogical approaches that prioritize inclusivity, engagement, and accessibility for all learners.

Eligible candidates for the UDL Award in Innovative Practice may include PreK-12 teachers, instructional designers, school administrators, and educational professionals who have:

• Implemented innovative instructional strategies that embrace the principles of UDL, providing diverse learners with multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression.
• Fostered inclusive learning environments that celebrate and accommodate the unique strengths, interests, and needs of every student.
• Developed and utilized adaptive technologies, educational resources, or teaching tools that enhance accessibility and cater to diverse learning preferences.
• Collaborated with colleagues, students, and parents to create and sustain a culture of inclusion and diversity within the educational community.
• Showcased creativity and flexibility in adapting UDL principles to address challenges related to curriculum delivery, assessment, and individualized support.

The UDL Award in Innovative Practice aims to spotlight the dedication and impact of educators who actively contribute to the evolution of inclusive teaching practices. By honoring exemplary practitioners, this award seeks to inspire educators at all levels to integrate UDL principles into their instructional methodologies, fostering an inclusive educational experience for every learner.

Prior UDL Innovative Practice Award Recipients

2025 – JoAnn Miller of CESA 8 and Michelle Ring-Hanson of CESA 7 (Wisconsin) exemplified collaborative leadership in advancing Universal Design for Learning through their co-leadership of the Wisconsin UDL Implementation Trials Project. Together, they created the UDL Implementation Trials Mentor Toolkit, an open-source, web-based resource now supporting more than 140 educators in translating UDL theory into classroom practice. Through real-time, classroom-based action research using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, their work empowers teachers across multiple states to apply UDL-aligned strategies, analyze data, and continuously improve instruction to better serve learner variability.

2024 – Dara Ryder, Chief Executive Officer of AHEAD, has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing Universal Design for Learning across higher education and employment in Ireland and beyond. Since becoming CEO in 2020, he has led the development of nationally scaled UDL initiatives, including a widely adopted online CPD suite and a 10-week national UDL badge program completed by more than 4,000 educators, as well as the cross-sector ALTITUDE Charter for Universal Design in Tertiary Education. His international impact and sustained commitment to inclusive practice were recognized in 2024 when CAST awarded him the inaugural UDL Innovative Practice Award.

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UDL Awards Criteria

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.

Ready to honor an outstanding UDL leader?

Nominations for the 2026 UDL Awards are opening soon! Explore the Nomination Guide on the UDL Awards page for all the details.

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