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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
UDL is rooted in the belief that learners should not be forced to fit into a set curriculum. Rather the curriculum should be flexible and form to fit students' needs. Hence, UDL is a way that makes learning accessible to everyone. The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) is a non-profit organization that supports UDL ([|www.cast.org]). CAST website explains, "The term 'universal design' refers to the movement in architecture and product development that aims to create places or things that are accessible to as many people as possible, including those with disabilities" ([]). Universal design elements are visible in our everyday lives. Making all buildings accessible to all people.

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Making television accessible to hearing impaired or deaf people.

=From Architecture to Education=

The concept of universal design in the physical world inspired educators and researchers to apply the idea of universal access to education. Instead of spending effort fixing accessibility problems after construction, blueprints were designed with everyone's needs in mind. Likewise, teachers are designing lesson plans to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. UDL is a proactive approach to ensuring students success rather than waiting for failure to begin responding to needs. Equal opportunity means equal access to learning material, which my include multiple ways of giving and receiving information. Fair isn't always equal, but equality creates fairness.