UDLnet: Universal Design for Learning: A Framework for Addressing Learner Variability

Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states that persons with disabilities should be guaranteed the right to inclusive education at all levels, regardless of age, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity. State Parties should ensure that children with disabilities are not excluded from free and compulsory primary education, or from secondary education. Still, there is a long way ahead before reaching a society where equal opportunities are guaranteed for all.

Inclusive and quality education is a key means to achieve this goal. In many special as well as mainstream schools, however, there is still much uncertainty and a lack of knowledge. Though the policy context supports a shift to inclusion, professionals need more support to develop their practice. In order to bridge the gap between policy and practice the UDLnet network aspires to address this necessity collecting and creating best practices under the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) on the following envisaged themes: inclusive learning environments, accessible resources, teachers' and school leaders' competences, examination of barriers and identification of opportunities. Moreover, current needs related with the use of mobile devices will be investigated, and the proposed network will cater for the delivery of accessible educational resources through wireless and mobile devices along with the application of the UDL framework in real inclusive educational practices.

UDLnet building upon experience of previous and current projects aims at exchanging/creating good practices on inclusive education for students with disabilities, and not only, across Europe, in order to cater for their wholesome development, smooth transition in the next grades and consequently for employability, working inclusion and for active European citizenship. 

A few words about this space for sharing, commenting, informing:

DISCUSSIONS: Wider discussions, which go across the boundaries of the Community’s activities, can be developed here. For example, here we can discuss central concepts of our work, such as 'creativity', ‘competences’, ‘learning’... Again, feel free to initiate, discuss, share!

GROUPS: We are starting as a whole group, but it may turn out that some sub-groups will start forming as we work. In the ‘Groups’, box we will be creating and visiting our sub-groups. In these Groups, you can create new Discussions, post Events and organize Polls based on your specific interests.

BLOGS: Why not share your thoughts and feelings with the rest of the community? Just create your blog and post your comments! 

Overall, let’s be active in this community. There are so many places in here where you can create your own postings, leave a thoughtful comment, show you ‘Like’ something, make and follow ‘Friends’, share on the popular social media.

More information about UDLnet Network is available here: http://www.udlnet-project.eu/

Best Practices and Media Resources Inventory is available here: http://udlnet.di.uoa.gr/index.php/ods-sso

Want to find more about UDL? Visit the UDL Academy & the ODS Toolbox