{"id":6260,"date":"2026-04-27T12:48:57","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T11:48:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/?p=6260"},"modified":"2026-04-27T12:49:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T11:49:04","slug":"universal-design-for-learning-udl-at-cardiff-practical-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/universal-design-for-learning-udl-at-cardiff-practical-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at Cardiff: Practical Approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Context<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a framework for creating learning environments that proactively meet the needs of all students. Developed by\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cast.org\/what-we-do\/universal-design-for-learning\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">CAST<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, UDL emphasises that learner variability is not an exception but\u00a0instead that diversity is to be celebrated as part of the richness of the university community. Effective teaching designs for this variability from the outset,\u00a0rather than retrofitting\u00a0\u2018fixes\u2019\u00a0later.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">UDL is organised around three core principles:\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">multiple means of engagement<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">representation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">action and expression<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, each helping to reduce barriers and\u00a0open up\u00a0flexible pathways for learning.\u00a0The CAST\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cast.org\/what-we-do\/universal-design-for-learning\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0provides more information.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At Cardiff University, these ideas\u00a0inform and\u00a0underpin our\u00a0work \u2013 see specifically the\u00a0Inclusivity theme\u00a0of the\u00a0Education Development Toolkit\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/theme-overview\/inclusivity\/universal-design-for-learning\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">our UDL page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which\u00a0models the framework in practice by providing information through varied formats (text, audio, images and reflection prompts), demonstrating how accessible design can be embedded into everyday learning materials.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Implementation<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In practice, UDL invites us to\u00a0anticipate\u00a0the diverse ways students engage with, interpret and express their learning. For example:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Multiple means of representation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Presenting content in varied formats\u00a0(such as text, visuals,\u00a0video\u00a0and audio)\u00a0helps meet differing perceptual and linguistic needs. Captioning videos, offering transcripts, and using diagrams or concept maps all support clearer comprehension.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Multiple means of engagement<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Providing choice in topics, modes of participation or levels of challenge can help sustain motivation and improve learner autonomy. Activities connected to real-world contexts or students\u2019 personal goals can enhance relevance.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Multiple means of action and expression<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Allowing students to\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0understanding through formats such as presentations, written work, video,\u00a0artwork\u00a0or podcasts supports a broader range of strengths and communication preferences.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/theme-overview\/inclusivity\/universal-design-for-learning\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cardiff Education Development Toolkit<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0encourages staff to apply these principles to curriculum design, learning activities and assessment planning, grounding decisions in research and inclusivity best practice.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impact<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Evidence from the wider sector highlights that embedding UDL improves learner engagement and supports more\u00a0equitable\u00a0outcomes by reducing structural barriers that disproportionately affect\u00a0particular groups. Research also\u00a0demonstrates\u00a0that students benefit when materials are flexible,\u00a0accessible\u00a0and clearly structured from the outset.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At Cardiff, these practices align closely with our commitment to inclusive education\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0helping ensure that as many students as possible can\u00a0participate\u00a0fully without requiring individual adjustments.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reflections \/\u00a0What\u2019s\u00a0next?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Integrating UDL does not\u00a0require\u00a0a complete overhaul; small, thoughtful shifts\u00a0such as\u00a0sharing materials in advance, building in reflection pauses, offering choice in activities, or simplifying navigation on Learning Central\u00a0can have significant impact.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many colleagues already apply UDL principles intuitively; the next step is making this practice conscious,\u00a0consistent\u00a0and intentional.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeshighereducation.com\/campus\/university-educators-guide-universal-design-learning\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0article<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by The Times Higher Education outlines sector practices and strategies for use.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"post-6131 media-6131\" class=\"image align-none\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/286\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-26-103001.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"238\" height=\"314\" \/><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A \u2018Starter for ten\u2019<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a prompt, to get ideas flowing, here are a few questions to help you reflect on this aspect of inclusive education within your own context:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where might offering a second way to engage with a task reduce barriers for your students?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Could you introduce an\u00a0additional\u00a0format\u00a0(audio, visual or interactive)\u00a0to support deeper understanding?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What opportunities exist for students to choose how they\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0their learning?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Context\u00a0 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a framework for creating learning environments that proactively meet the needs of all students. Developed by\u00a0CAST, UDL emphasises that learner variability is not [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":7173,"featured_media":6278,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1082,1],"tags":[],"custom_author":[1102],"class_list":["post-6260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inclusive-education","category-uncategorized","custom_author-inclusive-education-team"],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":6260,"cy":6274},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4KqgK-1CY","meta_box":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/286\/2026\/04\/download.jpg","pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7173"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6260"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6272,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6260\/revisions\/6272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6278"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6260"},{"taxonomy":"custom_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/LTAcademy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/custom_author?post=6260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}