Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

What Is Universal Design for Learning?

Harvard is a unique environment—every school, unit, and program has its own teaching methods and ecosystem. This diversity is part of what makes Harvard so innovative.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) builds on that spirit of innovation by encouraging instructors to design courses that work for the widest range of students from the start.

UDL is an approach to teaching that focuses on:

  • Designing curriculum, assignments, and classroom activities to meet diverse learning needs
  • Reducing barriers before they arise
  • Creating flexible learning environments that support all students, including those with disabilities

The Origins of UDL

UDL originates from principles in architecture and the built environment, particularly following the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

In physical spaces, features like ramps, elevators, and automatic doors were designed to improve accessibility. Over time, it became clear that these features benefit everyone, not just individuals with disabilities. 

UDL applies this same idea to education – It is more effective to design for accessibility from the beginning than to retrofit solutions later. 

The UDL framework originated from CAST, an organization co-founded by longtime Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) lecturer David Rose.

A illustration with two human head silhouettes, one with a grid of lines over it, the other with 3d shapes.

The Three Core Principles of UDL

UDL is grounded in three key principles. When designing your course, aim to provide:

1. Multiple Means of Engagement

Different ways to motivate and engage students in learning

  • Flexible participation options
  • Opportunities for collaboration or independent work
  • Clear expectations and goals

2. Multiple Means of Representation

Different ways to present content

  • Text, audio, video, visuals
  • Captioned media and accessible documents
  • Clear structure and organization

3. Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Different ways for students to demonstrate their learning

  • Written, verbal, or project-based assessments
  • Flexible formats for assignments
  • Opportunities for reflection and feedback

These principles help ensure that students can access content, stay engaged, and demonstrate what they know in ways that work best for them.

UDL Resources to Get Started

If you’re new to UDL or looking to deepen your practice, the following Harvard-created resources provide practical guidance.

Instructional Moves: Educating for Equity and Inclusion

A faculty resource focused on inclusive teaching practices. Includes UDL strategies and real Harvard classroom examples to help you present material in multiple ways.

In the fourth module, called "Crafting Inclusive Activities and Resources” Harvard Instructional Moves discuss the ULD concept of “Presenting Material in Multiple Ways”. There is a video of faculty member Robert Kegan, the William and Miriam Meehan Research Professor in Adult Learning and Professional Development, who provides a case study of his course "Adult Development" to ~200 students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“My UDL Pal” (ChatGPT EDU Tool)

An AI-powered tool that helps you apply UDL principles as you design your course. Get quick suggestions for making assignments, materials, and participation more flexible. 

*note: Only available to those with a Harvard ChatGPT EDU license.

CAST

Explore CAST Resources.