Universal Design for Learning and Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to educational design that promotes the idea of producing physical environments and tools in the school system in order to improve the experience of each and every student. This idea is developed through a neuropsychological model that has valuable implications in teaching practice. In fact, the identification of the three brain networks and the recognition of the uniqueness of the subjective functioning constitute the foundation of the principles and guidelines of UDL, for the creation of flexible, egalitarian and accessible to all curricula. This work aims to support the applicability of the UDL model, with its neuropsychological framework, to students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The integration between the UDL framework and teaching strategies, such as, functional behavior analysis, teacher made interventions, class wide peer tutoring and curriculum modifications, can promote universal design for learning and inclusive teaching for all students, even with different level of ID.