Universal Design for Learning and Instruction: Overcoming Barriers Facing Students with Disabilities in Colleges and Universities

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to examine ways that Universal Design for Learning (UDL) could enhance the educational experience of students with learning disabilities (SWDs) and explore barriers that SWDs face in postsecondary education. In addition, the barriers that university faculty and staff face when adapting to and accommodating SWDs were examined. SWDs are often handicapped by a lack of understanding of the laws designed to protect them and faculty are also prone to not understanding the process of accommodating these students. Many SWDs are reluctant to ask for accommodations thus risking failure. One approach is Universal Design for Instruction (UDI), which is a faculty-based approach to improve access to learning with inclusive teaching practices. Another teaching practice under the umbrella of UDL is mobile learning, flexible education using the internet or network using personal devices which allow students access to education anywhere.