As special educators, we are tasked with ensuring that all students have their needs met in the classroom. We can do this through pairing the use of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for all learners with specially designed instruction (SDI) for students with unique learning needs. UDL is based on brain research and offers students multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation, and multiple means of action and expression. For students who need further support as outlined in the IEP, we can use SDI. To better understand how these strategies work together, we recommend looking at the Venn diagram and reviewing the following resources about UDL from the Council for Exceptional Children.
CEC webinar "Lesson Planning for All Learners Using Universal Design for Learning"
CEC Webinar "Harnessing the Power of Inclusion Through Universal Design for Learning"
Teaching Exceptional Children Article "Approaching Explicit Instruction Within a Universal Design for Learning Framework"
View Diagram