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Universal Design for Learning Materials

Ensuring equitable, meaningful access to digital learning materials by creating and curating for inclusion

Learning materials in digital formats are accessible where there is a good fit between the content and formatting of the material and students’ unique access profiles. For some students, a mismatch will result in inaccessible learning experiences. 

The ARC-BC team has created a series of how-to guides and resource lists to support educators in providing equitable, meaningful access to digital learning materials by creating and curating for inclusion. Guides cover many of the most common tools for content creation in K-12 education from Google, Microsoft, and Adobe.


The Universal Design Cycle for Learning Materials

The universal design cycle for creating and/or curating learning materials is an implementation guide for the digital accessibility practices detailed below. It centres the perspectives and access requirements of all learners and works to ensure that these materials are responsive students’ diverse access requirements. This cycle positions leaners as key informants in the process of building more inclusive learning spaces through digitally accessible materials.

Learn More About the Universal Design Cycle

Cycle diagram with four steps. The first step is for the educator to consult with students. Second, create, remediate, and curate learning materials in digital formats. Third, check materials for accessibility using automated tools. Fourth, implement materials with students. The cycle starts again at the first step.