Why "Universal Design for Learning" (UDL) Is a Game-Changer for Our Kids

Why "Universal Design for Learning" (UDL) Is a Game-Changer for Our Kids

As parents, we’ve all asked, “Why is school so hard for my child?”
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) flips that question around. Instead of trying to “fix” our kids, it asks: “How can we create a classroom where every child—including mine—can learn and shine?”

UDL is simply a smarter way to plan lessons so that all children, no matter how they learn best, can succeed in the same classroom with their friends.

What Exactly Is UDL?

Imagine walking into a house with stairs at the front door. Most people can use the stairs just fine, but someone who uses a wheelchair can’t get in...until someone adds a ramp.
Universal Design says: Why not build the ramp from the beginning so everyone can use the same door?

UDL does the same thing for learning. Teachers plan lessons with built-in “ramps” (flexible options) from the start, instead of adding extra help for certain kids later. This is especially helpful for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, physical disabilities, sensory needs, or any kind of learning difference.

The Three Big Ideas Behind UDL

Everything in UDL rests on three simple principles that match how our children’s brains naturally work:

1. Multiple ways to get kids interested and keep them feeling safe and motivated (“the WHY of learning”)

2. Multiple ways to present information so every child can understand it (“the WHAT of learning”)

3. Multiple ways for kids to show what they know (“the HOW of learning”)

When teachers use these three ideas, fewer children fall through the cracks.

How These Ideas Look in Real Classrooms

Keeping kids motivated and comfortable

• Giving real choices (“Do you want to read about dinosaurs or space?”)

• Using visual schedules and “First–Then” pictures so the day feels predictable and less overwhelming

• Tapping into a child’s favorite topic (trains, animals, Minecraft—whatever lights them up!) to make learning fun

Helping kids take in information

• Teaching the same topic with pictures, videos, hands-on objects, and words—all at the same time

• Adding picture symbols, simpler explanations, or captions so no one gets left behind

• Offering books on tape, read-aloud tools, or sign language when needed

Letting kids show what they’ve learned in their own way

• A child can answer by talking, pointing to pictures, typing, drawing, building with blocks, or using a speech device—instead of only writing

• Breaking big assignments into clear steps with checklists

• Using tools like speech-to-text, word prediction, or switches so physical or language challenges don’t hide how smart our kids really are

Why This Matters So Much for Our Children

With UDL, children with disabilities get to learn beside their classmates instead of being pulled out all the time. The whole classroom becomes more flexible, which means fewer last-minute fixes and less stress for everyone—teachers, kids, and us!

Research shows that when classrooms use UDL, children with special needs pay attention longer, understand more, and feel prouder of their work. And guess what? Typical kids do better too.

You Don’t Have to Wait for the Whole School to Change

You can start seeing UDL ideas right away if you talk with your child’s teacher or IEP team. Even small changes make a big difference:

• Ask for a visual schedule or a choice board

• Request captions on videos or hands-on materials

• Suggest letting your child type or draw answers instead of only writing

We’re All on the Same Team

The very best UDL happens when general-education teachers, special-education teachers, therapists, and families plan together.