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Universal design for learning: enhancing achievement and employment of STEM students with disabilities

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Abstract

This article defines universal design for learning (UDL) and presents examples of how universally designed technology hardware and software applications benefit students with disabilities who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) majors. When digital technologies are developed without incorporating accessible design features, persons with disabilities cannot access required information to interact with the information society. However, when accessible technology and instruction are provided using UDL principles, research indicates that many students benefit with increased achievement. Learning through universally designed and accessible technology is essential for students with disabilities who, without access, would not gain the skills needed to complete their degrees and access employment and a life of self-sufficiency. UDL strategies enhance learning for all students, including students with disabilities who are majoring in STEM, which are among the most rigorous academic disciplines, but also among the most financially rewarding careers.

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Acknowledgments

The content of this paper was funded in part by NSF Award number HRD-0833561 and US Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education Award number GRT00021456. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this chapter are those of the author and do not reflect those of the National Science Foundation or US Department of Education. Portions of this article were adapted from a paper entitled “Universal Design for Learning: Enhancing Achievement of Students with Disabilities” presented at DSAI 2012, the 4th International Conference on Software Development for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion and from the following two chapters: (a) Hanley-Maxwell and Izzo [38] and (b) Izzo et al. [24]. The authors wish to thank Vicki Graff and Madison Bauer for their editorial and formatting assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ohio State University Nisonger Center, 1581 Dodd Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Margaretha Vreeburg Izzo

  2. Marietta College, 215 Fifth St., Marietta, OH, 45750, USA

    William M. Bauer

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  1. Margaretha Vreeburg Izzo
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  2. William M. Bauer
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Correspondence to Margaretha Vreeburg Izzo.

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Izzo, M.V., Bauer, W.M. Universal design for learning: enhancing achievement and employment of STEM students with disabilities. Univ Access Inf Soc 14, 17–27 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-013-0332-1

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