Whole class instruction without individualization frequently presents barriers for students with disabilities. RFB&D’s AudioPlus® CDs allow teachers to move away from a “one size fits all approach” and to address the individual needs of diverse learners. Digital media increases curriculum flexibility enormously. RFB&D’s AudioPlus CDs allow teachers to accommodate students with print disabilities by using general education content in an accessible format. By providing access to content on CDs, teachers do not have to “water down” the general education curriculum. All students can become full participants in learning!
Given that many students with disabilities have experienced failure with reading, RFB&D’s AudioPlus CDs are another medium that gives students a “second chance” at mastering printed text. When teachers combine the flexibility of RFB&D AudioPlus CDs with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), classrooms can become inclusive for all learners. Traditional textbooks, which were once barriers to learning, are now accessible because of RFB&D AudioPlus CDs. The goal of UDL is to fully support students' access and participation in the learning process.
In the UDL classroom, every student can be engaged to learn for different reasons in different ways. The focus is on mastery of skills and strategies for learning, rather than merely on content aquisition in the general education curriculum. Skill development is embedded in all the content learning activities in order to provide students with an opportunity to "learn how to learn."
The three key principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
- To support recognition learning, by providing multiple, flexible methods of presentation. In order to support recognition learning, teachers might use lectures, RFB&D’s Audio Plus CDs or demonstration activities.
- To support strategic learning, by providing multiple, flexible methods of expression. In order to support strategic learning, teachers might ask students to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge using a range of tools in various formats, such as written, oral, video or drawing.
- To support affective learning, providing multiple, flexible options for engagement. In order to support affective learning, teachers might encourage students to select, rather than being assigned, a topic for more in-depth exploration and information gathering. RFB&Ds extensive AudioPlus library gives students a wide range of material to choose from.
Simpy stated, the UDL principles help teachers meet every student's needs and preferences by providing flexibility in the way teachers present information, offering opportunities for skill building and expression and engagement of all students.
(Adapted from: Rose, D., Meyer, A., & Hitchcock, C. (2005). The universally designed classroom, Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.)