Evidence
For four decades, CAST has championed limitless learning opportunities for all. UDL is grounded in evidence and is continually evolving. We encourage the field to keep learning and growing, and we serve as an evidence hub that the global community can trust.
Interested young girl participating in Spanish language speaking club, communicating with multiracial group of people of different ages sitting around table..
Impact for educators & learners
For effective change, investing in educators and enhancing their access to tools and training is crucial.
Leveraging the UDL framework across both physical and digital environments is essential for improving learning outcomes, particularly for students facing various challenges. Studies have consistently shown the effectiveness of UDL in real-world educational settings, often supported by federal initiatives. UDL:
- Improves student literacy outcomes
- Improves student content area learning
- Improves student engagement
- Improves educators’ lesson planning to meet students’ needs
- Improves career connected learning
“Universal Design for Learning is one of the few big and truly transformative ideas to emerge in education in the last two decades.” Martha L. Minow, Harvard Law School
UDL in Federal Laws
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is embedded in key federal laws guiding education, career training, and workforce initiatives across the United States, such as:
- U.S. Department of Education’s National Educational Technology Plan 2024
- Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V, 2018)
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2018)
- Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2018)
Interested in making a difference for educators & learners?
Reach out to CAST to learn how you can support efforts to design inclusive learning experiences.