UDL in CS
About Universal Design for Learning
Developed by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. 1
2Resources: UDL
Technology and Universal Design for Learning (SchoolVirtually)
UDL-aligned resources to support all learners with distance and online learning, including students with disabilities and language learners.
Universal Design for Learning (CAST)
UDL research, news, and resources created and curated by CAST, including a detailed explanation of the UDL Guidelines
Getting Started with Universal Design for Learning (Understood.org)
Article with examples and implications for teaching with UDL
Explicit Instruction (NCAC)
Article from NCAC (National Center on Accessible Educational Materials) addressing the ways in which explicit instruction is compatible with and complementary to UDL principles.
Joining Culturally Responsive Design and Universal Design for Learning (CAST)
Youtube video explaining how to combine Culturally Responsive Teaching and Universal Design for Learning to address the needs of English language learners. This video supports the article, “Connecting Connecting Universal Design for Learning With Culturally Responsive Teaching” (Education and Urban Society).
Resources: UDL in CS
Teaching All Computational Thinking through Inclusion and Collaboration (Project TACTIC)
A NSF STEM+C project at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Project TACTIC offers research and resources on how to meaningfully engage all learners in technology-mediated learning, with a focus on computer science and computational thinking. Featured resources include:
1 “About Universal Design for Learning.” CAST (2019). www.cast.org/our-work/about-udl.html#.Xox8WNNKimk.
2 “Universal Design for Learning Guidelines” CAST (2018). http://udlguidelines.cast.org
Organizations and resources that provide accessible CS curricula and opportunities for students with disabilities:
CS Teacher Workbook | Advocacy
This workbook supports K-12 educators in engaging others in their efforts to improve and expand CS education.
Tech Kids Unlimited
Organization committed to teaching CS and technology to students with disabilities, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Access CSforAll: (University of Washington)
Research-Practitioner Partnership working to increase the participation of students with disabilities in K-12 CS education.
Site includes an online community of practice, resource bank of accessible curricula, webinars for educators, and more
Access Computing (University of Washington)
Initiative working to increase the participation of people with disabilities in CS higher-education programs and CS careers.
Site includes collections of resources for educators, employers, and students, covering topics such as making online courses accessible, finding scholarships and internships, and more.
Quorum (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
Programming language and platform able to be read by computer screen readers, making it accessible for blind and visually-impaired students.
Based on Code.org’s course, the Quorum curriculum uses its language and programming to increase accessibility in AP CS Principles courses.
Everyone Can Code (Apple)
Teacher Guide includes resources, activities, and features designed especially for learners with sight and/or hearing impairments.
Blocks 4 All (DOIT; University of Washington; AccessComputing; Lauren R. Milne)
Prototype project of developing an accessible block-based coding environment for young children. (Download a Beta Version of Blocks4All for your iPad; Additional Resources: Video Showcase and Article)
Deaf Kids Code
Coding resources for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Code Jumper
Device with supporting curriculum that allows students with visual impairments to use physical devices to engage in block coding.
VocalIDE
Speech-based programming development environment for people with upper-body motor impairments.
Accessible Blockly (built upon Google’s Blockly)
Demonstration of a version of Blockly (block-based programming platform) designed for use with screen readers
Ludi, Stephanie, and Mary Spencer. “Design Considerations to Increase Block-Based Language Accessibility for Blind Programmers Via Blockly.” Journal of Visual Languages and Sentient Systems, vol. 3, no. 1, May 2017, pp. 119–124., doi:10.18293/vlss2017-013.
Computer Science Principles for Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Experience report about teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired students teaching AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) content.
Computer Science Principles for Teachers of Deaf Students
This experience report explores how well code.org's version of AP CSP meets the needs of Deaf students.
Accessible K-12 Computer Science
Initiatives and methods for increasing CS access for all students.
Techbridge Girls
Techbridge Girls is an award-winning leader and innovator in formal STEM education. This site contains activities, research/reports, and National Science Foundation-certified STEM lessons.
Techbridge Girls - The Role Model Difference
This report discusses how role models can expand career options and expose girls to STEM careers.
SciGirls - Role Model Strategies
Partnered with Techbridge Girls, SciGirls describes why role models are imperative and how to effectively be a role model.