UDL Resources
At CTSI, we support instructors in creating accessible and inclusive methods, materials, and environments using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Below, you’ll find curated resources organized into four categories:
U of T Resources and Supports
Explore tools, programs, and campus supports developed across U of T to help you integrate UDL into your teaching.
Foundational UDL Learning Resources
Learn about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how CTSI’s approaches translate its principles into practical strategies for inclusive course design.
- About UDL: An overview of the UDL Guidelines, including strategies for implementation and how UDL relates to academic accommodations
- UDL Course Design: Explore CTSI’s three approaches to UDL—Course Design Dimensions, Learner Scaffolds, and the UDL Guidelines—and learn how to apply them in your teaching
- Universal Design for Learning: Accessibility by Design (UTSC): A Quercus-based resource hub from the Centre for Teaching and Learning at UTSC, focused on helping instructors create accessible learning environments—especially for students with disabilities
- Pedagogical Development with Universal Design for Learning (UTSC): Part of UTSC’s Campus Curriculum Review, this resource offers a brief history of UDL and an FAQ that addresses common questions about inclusive teaching practices
- Universal Design for Learning (UTM): A concise introduction to UDL principles from UTM’s Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, including examples of “plus one” strategies to increase access and flexibility
- UDL in Practice Strategy Libraries: Discover 15 practical, ready-to-use libraries organized through CTSI’s UDL in Practice series:
Accessibility and Captioning Guides
Find practical guidance on creating accessible materials and communications through inclusive design, captions, and transcripts.
- Accessibility Guidelines for Teaching and Learning: Introduces UDL as a complementary framework that supports flexible, inclusive course design from the outset, with practical suggestions for accessible course content, Quercus spaces, and assessments
- Accessibility Services Resource Library: A curated collection of resources, reports, and guidance on student accommodations, online learning, and faculty support
- Live Captioning for In-Person Classes: Guidance on enabling real-time captions in classroom settings using PowerPoint, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, with setup instructions, tips for clear audio, and notes on checking caption visibility and accuracy
- Captioning Recorded Videos: Step-by-step instructions for adding and editing captions in recorded lectures or course videos using Zoom, Teams, Stream/Clipchamp, PowerPoint, or MyMedia, with guidance on reviewing and editing captions for accuracy before publishing
Institutes and Workshops
Visit the UDL Programming page for upcoming ULD-related sessions.
- Course Design Institute (CDI): A two-day in-person institute that introduces inclusive design frameworks and practical strategies for creating accessible, flexible, and engaging learning experiences using UDL principles
- UDL Express: A five-part series (live and recorded) that introduces the SLIDE framework—Styles, Links, Images, Design, and Evaluation—with practical changes you can apply right away
- UDL Conversations: Informal 30-minute online sessions where instructors and staff share how they are applying UDL in their teaching and professional practice
- CTSI Webinar Recordings: Access past UDL-related webinars highlighting practical applications, strategies, and instructor experiences (available on the UDL Programming page)
Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning
Engage with UDL-informed programs at your own pace to strengthen your inclusive teaching practices.
- Course Design Foundations (CDF): A seven-module program introducing integrated course planning, inclusive course design, and UDL (module 3)
- Syllabus Design Foundations (SDF): A three-module guide for creating inclusive, accessible, and learner-centred syllabi
- Quercus Home Page Foundations (QHPF): A two-module resource for designing an accessible and inclusive course home page in Quercus
- Active Learning Design Foundations (ALDF): A three-module program offering evidence-based strategies, examples, and activities to design and implement inclusive active learning
Consultations and Individual Support
Connect with educators and staff across U of T for personalized support in designing accessible, inclusive learning experiences and implementing UDL strategies.
- CTSI: Book a one-on-one consultation with a faculty liaison by selecting the “UDL, EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility) in Teaching and Learning” category
- Centre for Teaching and Learning (UTSC): Meet with an educational developer for guidance on course design and inclusive pedagogy
- Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (UTM): Schedule a pedagogical consultation focused on accessible and inclusive course design and teaching strategies
- AODA Office: Contact the AODA Office with questions about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the University of Toronto
Accessibility Services at U of T
While UDL focuses on proactive, inclusive course design, Accessibility Services offices support individual student accommodations. Both are essential to creating equitable learning environments.
Research and Scholarship
Discover books and scholarly works that inform the theory, evolution, and application of UDL in postsecondary education.
- Bracken, S., & Novak, K. (2019). Transforming higher education through universal design for learning: An international perspective. Routledge.
- Burgstahler, S. E. (2020). Creating inclusive learning opportunities in higher education: A universal design toolkit. Harvard Education Press.
- Fovet, F. (2021). Applying universal design for learning across disciplines: Concepts, case studies, and practical implementation. IGI Global.
- Fritzgerald, A. (2020). Antiracism and universal design for learning: Building expressways to success. CAST Professional Publishing.
- Gordon, D. (Ed.). (2024). Universal design for learning: Principles, framework, and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.
- Merry, K. L. (2023). Delivering inclusive and impactful instruction: Universal design for learning in higher education. CAST Professional Publishing.
- Martin, N., Wray, M., & Krupa, J. (Eds.). (2025). Universal design for learning: A critical approach. Critical Publishing.
- Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.
- Novak, K. (2022). UDL now! A teacher’s guide to applying universal design for learning. CAST Professional Publishing.
- Rose, T. (2015). The end of average: How we succeed in a world that values sameness. HarperOne.
- Tobin, T. J., & Behling, K. T. (2018). Reach everyone, teach everyone: Universal design for learning in higher education. West Virginia University Press.
Practical Guides and Resources
Guides, checklists, and media that offer actionable UDL strategies and examples for postsecondary teaching.
UDL Frameworks and Global Practice
Explore internationally recognized frameworks and strategies to help you apply UDL principles in your postsecondary teaching.
- The UDL Guidelines: A framework developed by CAST to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn
- UDL Tips and Articles from CAST: A curated collection of tips, articles, and resources designed to help educators create inclusive learning environments
- UDL on Campus: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education: CAST’s resource hub for postsecondary institutions, offering practical examples for course design, media and materials, and accessibility and policy
- Think UDL Podcast: Interviews with educators, researchers, and practitioners applying UDL strategies in diverse postsecondary contexts
- WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind): How-tos and advice for creating accessible web and document content
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative: The global authority on accessibility standards (like WCAG 2.0), with practical guidance on making your content accessible across formats and platforms
Ontario Postsecondary UDL Resources
Discover resources and tools developed by Ontario institutions to support inclusive course design, digital accessibility, and UDL-aligned teaching practices.
- HEQCO’s Dialogues on Universal Design for Learning: Finding Common Ground and Key Recommendations from the Sector: A sector-wide initiative exploring common ground and key recommendations for implementing UDL in Ontario’s postsecondary landscape
- Council of Ontario Universities (COU) Accessibility Resources: Curated accessibility resources and strategies designed specifically for Ontario’s postsecondary teaching community
- eCampusOntario Digital Accessibility Toolkit: A practical guide for Ontario educators with tools and direction on how to create, select, and use accessible digital content and educational technologies
- Postsecondary Course Accessibility Guide: A structured checklist for designing accessible postsecondary courses that includes accessibility criteria aligned with provincial requirements and recommendations
- Universal Design for Learning at Mohawk College: A college-level resource highlighting how UDL principles are integrated across teaching, learning, and student support services at Mohawk College
Training Programs
Engage with open-access and Ontario-developed training programs that support the application of UDL principles in postsecondary teaching and digital design.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): A six-module resource developed by Ontario institutions to help postsecondary educators integrate UDL, AODA requirements, EDI, and Indigenization into their teaching
- Universal Design for Learning: A six-lesson module developed by the University of Calgary introducing UDL principles in postsecondary teaching, with strategies for supporting modality, mental well-being, experiential learning, neurodiversity, and academic integrity.
- Universal Design for Learning: Inspiring Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: A four-module resource developed by George Brown College to support inclusive teaching practices
- Digital Accessibility and Teaching Resources: A series of online courses from Toronto Metropolitan University focused on digital accessibility in teaching
- Making Accessible Media: Accessible Design in Digital Media: An open-access online course developed by Humber College that explores accessible design for digital media production
U Design Learning | Teaching with Universal Design for Learning at U of T