Your Name and Title:
Melissa Fortson Green
Research & Instructional Services Librarian

Library, School, or Organization Name:
The University of Alabama

Co-Presenter Name(s):

Area of the World from Which You Will Present:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States

Language in Which You Will Present:
English

Target Audience(s):
Instruction librarians and others interested in offering services and programs accessible to users of all abilities.

Short Session Description (one line):
This session will provide an introduction to Universal Design for Learning- guidelines for curriculum development that give users of all abilities equal opportunities to learn- and how its principles can be applied to library instruction.

Full Session Description (as long as you would like):
Universal Design is “the idea that we should always keep the largest possible audience in mind in our design decisions, ensuring that our final product serves the needs of those with disabilities as well as those without" (ProfHacker, Academic Resources and Universal Design). Originally used in reference to architecture, "universal design" meant designing physical paces that could be used by people of all abilities. When applied to learning, universal design "is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn" (CAST, About UDL).

This session will provide an introduction to Universal Design for Learning: what it is and how its principles can be applied to library instruction. Examples of universally designed instructional materials and strategies will be shared, and attendees will leave the session with tools to help them ensure full access for learners of all abilities.

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:
National Center on Universal Design for Learning
ProfHacker: Academic Resources and Universal Design