An Interview with 2026 UDL Award Recipients Vineeta Garg & Gunjan Tomar
How do you design learning environments that support both achievement and wellbeing? In this episode, Bryan Dean talks with Vineeta Garg and Gunjan Tomar, co-founders of Wellbeing Mantras and recipients of the 2026 Anne Meyer UDL Design Award.
Drawing on their work with more than 25,000 educators across 10 countries, Vineeta and Gunjan share how they integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL), social-emotional learning, technology, and wellbeing into a cohesive approach to teaching and learning. They discuss designing for multilingual learners, neurodivergent students, learners with disabilities, and underserved communities, while exploring how educators can adapt UDL across diverse cultural contexts.
The conversation also examines what it takes to move beyond accessible resources and create learning ecosystems that foster agency, belonging, and success for every learner.
Hosts:
Bryan Dean
Guests:
Vineeta Garg, UDL Award Recipient and co-founder, Wellbeing Mantras
Gunjan Tomar, UDL Award Recipient and co-founder, Wellbeing Mantras
Podcast Episode Resources
The Learning Experience Podcast
Join hosts Kelli Suding, Luis Pérez, and Bryan Dean as they bring you inspiring conversations and real-world examples of breaking down barriers to learning. Each episode of The Learning Experience brings you inspiring conversations with educators, students, families, and inclusive education leaders who share practical tips, proven strategies, and real-world examples of how to break down barriers and create equitable learning experiences for everyone.