Skip to main content
Select a language to translate this page
Link to the CAST store
Search

UDL Awards

The UDL Awards are a celebration of innovation, inclusivity, and the groundbreaking work that advances the principles Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Celebrate excellence in inclusive education at the 2025 UDL Awards!

CAST proudly invites you to the second annual UDL Awards, presented during UDL-Con: International on July 22, 2025, in Washington, DC. This prestigious event recognizes visionary leaders and groundbreaking contributions that drive innovation and inclusivity in education.

Nominations are open until April 18, 2025

Do you know a trailblazer in Universal Design for Learning? Submit your nomination between March 17 and April 18, 2025, to shine a spotlight on their remarkable achievements. The UDL Awards celebrate those who elevate learning by removing barriers and fostering creativity and inclusivity in education.

Nominate a Candidate

Award categories reflecting innovation and impact

This year’s awards honor excellence across three impactful categories:

  • The Anne Meyer UDL Design Award – Recognizing exceptional UDL design and implementation.
  • The David Rose UDL Research Award – Celebrating innovative research that advances UDL principles.
  • The UDL Innovative Practice Award – Highlighting pioneering practices that promote inclusivity and accessibility.

Each award showcases the transformative power of UDL, honoring individuals and organizations that reimagine education for a more equitable future.

Explore the awards categories

Honoring the 2024 UDL Award Recipients

Last year, we celebrated outstanding leaders whose work exemplifies UDL in action:

  • Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D. – Anne Meyer UDL Design Award
    An internationally recognized UDL expert, Loui has led district-level implementations and influenced UDL adoption globally, from the U.S. to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
  • Kavita Rao, Ph.D. – David Rose UDL Research Award
    A professor and research director at the University of Hawaii, Kavita’s work focuses on UDL, instructional technology, and culturally responsive teaching, impacting diverse learners across the U.S., Asia, and Pacific Islands.
  • Dara Ryder – UDL Innovative Practice Award
    As CEO of AHEAD, Dara has transformed inclusive practices for people with disabilities in education and employment, including co-developing a national UDL badge program adopted by over 4,000 educators in Ireland.
UDL Award recipients Kavita Rao, Dara Ryder, and Loui Lord Nelson

2024 UDL Award recipients Kavita Rao, Dara Ryder, and Loui Lord Nelson.

Nomination Guide: Everything you need to know about the 2025 UDL Awards

Here, we outline everything you need to know about nominating individuals or projects for an award, the criteria for selecting winners, the anticipated announcement date, and ongoing updates throughout the process.

Join us on July 22 at UDL-Con: International for the announcement of the winners.

March 17, 2025 – Call for nominations opens.

April 18, 2025 – Deadline to submit a nomination.

July 22th, 2025 – Join us at UDL-Con: International as we announce the honnorees!

Seeking inspiration for your nominations? Consider individuals, projects, or organizations that have made significant contributions to the world of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Reflect on the impact of innovative initiatives and the spirit of openness within the realm of education. Embrace the opportunity to recognize outstanding leaders in the field by submitting your nominations for the 2025 UDL Awards today! Self-nominations are allowed.

Make a nomination today!

The 2025 UDL Awards comprise three primary categories: Anne Meyer UDL Design Award, David Rose UDL Research Award, and the UDL Innovative Practice Award. Explore our 2025 Awards Category Guide to determine the most suitable category for your nomination idea.

Check out the awards category guide

Nominees for UDL Awards may include individuals or projects that contribute to the advancement of Universal Design for Learning.

Self-nominations are welcome.

Current Staff and Board Members of CAST are not eligible for awards.

For any inquiries about the 2025 UDL Awards or the nomination process, contact Kisha Barton or Fabian De Leon.

Join us in shaping the future of education

The 2025 UDL Awards continue CAST’s mission to elevate leaders who redefine education through Universal Design for Learning. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate excellence and inspire change.

Ready to nominate?

Help us honor the innovators shaping the future of inclusive education. Nominations end on April 18, 2025.

Nominate a UDL leader today!

Mobile device showing the CAST newsletter featuring digital tools and events.

Subscribe for updates

Looking for the latest updates on UDL and inclusive education? Stay connected with CAST to explore UDL, inclusive education, and more. Get updates on events like UDL-Con: International, prestigious awards, impactful programs, professional development, courses, and expert-led training opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a global movement driving innovation in education.

Sign up to stay informed