Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that starts from a simple but powerful premise:

‘Variability is the norm, not the exception’.

The CAST UDL Guidelines brings this framework to life in a practical way. It is a research-informed tool and helps educators design learning. Every student can then access, participate in, and succeed with meaningful, challenging tasks.

The guidelines are organised around three core principles:

• Engagement
• Representation
• Action & Expression

The current version, expliicitly tackles barriers rooted in bias and systemic exclusion, with a clear goal: learners who are purposeful and reflective, resourceful and authentic, strategic and action-oriented.

Why This Resource Matters

The CAST UDL Guidelines page offers not just theory, but a practical roadmap for designing more equitable, engaging and agency-building learning experiences (concrete and actionable focus). Aim to think beyond “content differentiation” and towards systemic inclusion, representing a diversity of perspectives, addressing biases in language and symbols, and challenging exclusionary practices are foregrounded. These prompts encourage teachers not only to vary materials and tasks, but to reflect on whose experiences, languages and ways of knowing are centred in their classrooms.

CAST highlights that UDL is grounded in scientific insights into how humans learn and is supported by a growing body of evidence across ages and learning contexts.

About UDL

Resource

CAST. (2025). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines.