University of North Texas 
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Resource Hub
Introduction
The UDL Resource Hub is a central starting point for UNT faculty and staff seeking practical ways to strengthen student engagement, persistence, and success across teaching, advising, and other student-facing roles.
Grounded in a framework that proactively reduces barriers for all students while saving faculty and staff time, the Hub brings together research-informed guidance, practical tools, and ready-to-use resources. It thus advances UNT’s "Look North" commitment to educational access and excellence.
What is UDL?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a proactive framework that guides educators in the design of learning environments to accommodate students’ varied learning needs. It offers multiple ways for students to engage with course material, understand information, and demonstrate knowledge and skills. By reducing barriers at the outset, UDL supports student success and reduces the need for individualized accommodations later.
Core Principles of UDL
Following the UDL framework means providing multiple means of:
Engagement
Stimulate interest in learning by offering varied options for motivating learners to participate and remain invested.
Representation
Provide information in different formats (text, audio, visuals) to support different learning needs.
Action & Expression
Allow learners to demonstrate knowledge and skills in various ways.
Why UDL Matters
Universal Design for Learning goes beyond theory — it has a real, measurable impact on teaching and learning experiences. By intentionally designing for flexibility and variability, UDL helps create learning environments that support a wide range of learners while improving clarity, engagement, and usability for everyone involved.
- Helps address different learning preferences and needs.
- Improves clarity, usability, and accessibility of course materials.
- Saves instructors time by reducing reactive ad hoc accommodations.
- Strengthens student engagement and persistence by offering meaningful choices.
Practical Tips for Educators
Putting UDL into practice doesn’t require a complete course redesign. Small, thoughtful changes can significantly improve access, engagement, and learner confidence. The tips below highlight practical ways to begin applying UDL principles in everyday teaching and student-facing work.
- Provide clear instructions and goals.
- Use captions, transcripts, and alternative text for graphics and media.
- Offer options for assignments (e.g., written, video, or presentation).
Live Training & Workshops
Browse upcoming live sessions and workshops that offer interactive learning and practical strategies for Universal Design for Learning and digital accessibility. Visit the events listing to view details and register for sessions that fit your schedule.
Self-Paced Training
Explore on-demand learning resources designed to help you build practical skills in digital accessibility. These self-paced trainings include short tutorials, guided walkthroughs, and deeper learning opportunities you can complete on your own schedule.
SensusAccess Video Tutorial
Learn how to upload documents and convert them into accessible formats.
View SensusAccess Tutorial (opens in a new tab)PopeTech Video Tutorial
See how to use PopeTech’s Accessibility Guide directly within Canvas.
View PopeTech Tutorial (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Accessibility Checkers
Walk through the built-in accessibility tools in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
View Microsoft Accessibility Checkers Tutorial (opens in a new tab)
Digital Accessibility Foundations Microcredential
Build foundational knowledge and practical skills for creating digital content that is accessible to all users. This self-paced microcredential walks you through key principles, tools, and best practices in digital accessibility.
Enroll in Digital Accessibility Foundations (opens in a new tab)Accessibility Tools
Technology can play a powerful role in supporting Universal Design for Learning. The tools below help identify potential barriers, improve content accessibility, and provide learners with multiple ways to engage with materials — making learner-centered design more achievable and sustainable.
Ally
Automatically scans Canvas course content for accessibility issues and provides
alternative formats — giving learners more ways to engage with materials.
Canvas Accessibility Checker
Built directly into Canvas, this tool identifies common accessibility issues and
provides guidance for improving content usability.
PopeTech
An accessibility scanning tool paired with a faculty-friendly guide to help identify
and address accessibility concerns in Canvas content.
Equatio
Supports accessible creation of math and science content through keyboard, handwriting,
and voice input.
MS Office Accessibility Tools
Built-in checkers in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel that help improve document readability
and accessibility.
SensusAccess
Converts documents into accessible formats, remediates image-based PDFs, and supports
alternative formats such as audio and braille-ready files.
Resources and Readings
Books
- Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education | UNT Library by Tobin, Thomas J. and Kirsten T. Behling
- Universal Design for Learning: A Critical Approach | UNT Library edited by Nicola Martin, Mike Wray, and Joanna Krupa
- Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice | UNT Library edited by Sheryl Burgstahler and Rebecca Cory
Websites
- Accessibility at UNT
- Accessibility of Instructional Materials | ODA
- Accessibility Online | SEA CLEAR
- Accessibility Toolkit for Academic Librarians | UNT Libraries
- Accessibility Information | UNT Libraries
- Inclusive Instructional Strategies - Universal Design for Learning | SEA CLEAR
- Teaching Hub | LEEF
- Teaching & Interacting with Students with Disabilities | ODA
- The UDL Guidelines | CAST
- UNT Teaching Resources | SEA CLEAR
- Website Modernization Best Practice Standards | Texas DIR
Podcasts
- The Learning Experience Podcast | CAST
- Think UDL | Lillian Nave talks learner variability in higher ed and beyond
- Universal Design for Learning at Scale - Intentional Teaching | Apple Podcasts with Thomas J. Tobin, available also on other platforms
Videos
ADA Title II Digital Accessibility & UDL Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
What is changing with ADA Title II in 2026?
On April 24, 2026, updated federal regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II will take effect for public universities. These regulations require that university websites, mobile apps, digital instructional materials, and other digital content meet established accessibility standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines [WCAG] 2.1 Level A and AA).
Accessibility has long been a requirement under federal law, but this is the first time the Department of Justice has adopted a specific technical standard for digital accessibility under Title II. The updated rule places greater emphasis on ensuring that digital content and services are accessible from the start, rather than relying primarily on retroactive accommodations after barriers are identified.
What types of content are included?
The updated regulations apply broadly to digital environments, including:
- Digital course materials, including materials available to students in Canvas.
- University websites and web pages
- Digital documents and media
- Mobile applications
- Student-facing and public-facing digital tools
More guidance will be provided through trainings and resources.
Why is this important?
Accessible digital environments support student success, employee effectiveness, and lowering barriers to access to university programs and services. Designing content and systems with accessibility in mind benefits all users and helps reduce the need for individual accommodations later.
How is UNT Addressing These New Standards?
The university is launching a coordinated initiative to adopt Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a means of supporting faculty and staff in creating accessible and effective digital experiences. This initiative focuses on practical strategies, training opportunities, and resources that help the campus community take proactive steps toward enhancing accessibility and complying with federal regulations.
The goal is to support a gradual, informed approach that builds on work already underway across campus.
What This Means for Faculty and Staff
Am I expected to redesign all of my courses or materials immediately?
The university is encouraging a proactive approach with the UDL initiative: learning about accessibility expectations, identifying high-impact improvements, and making steady progress over time.
Upcoming trainings and resources will focus on practical steps that can be implemented incrementally.
Does this replace the need for accommodations for individual students?
No. Accommodations tailored to individual students will continue to be provided when needed. Proactive accessibility and UDL practices help reduce barriers and streamline processes, but they do not replace the accommodation process.
Who is responsible for accessibility?
Ensuring accessible digital experiences is a shared responsibility across the university. Faculty, staff, and units that create or manage digital content all play a role in supporting accessible and usable environments. The university is providing coordinated resources and learning opportunities to support this work.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
UDL is a research-based framework for designing courses, services, and digital experiences that anticipate and support a broad spectrum of learner needs from the outset. It encourages offering multiple ways for individuals to access information, engage with content, and demonstrate learning.
How does UDL relate to accessibility requirements?
UDL supports proactive accessibility by encouraging design practices that work for a wide range of users from the start. While accessibility standards define technical requirements, UDL provides practical strategies that help faculty and staff meet those expectations while also improving the learning experience for all students.
Is UDL required?
UDL is not a mandate to redesign courses immediately. It is the university’s recommended approach for building user-friendly and effective learning and service environments and for supporting progress toward meeting federal accessibility requirements.
Training and Resources
Where can I learn more or get started?
You have already found this page, so this is a great start. Familiarize with this UDL Resource Hub, which is a centralized website providing guidance, tools, and upcoming learning opportunities:
The hub includes:
- Introductory learning opportunities
- Workshops and training sessions
- Short guides and videos
- Accessibility tools and resources
- Ongoing updates
Will there be training opportunities?
Yes. Beginning this semester and continuing through 2026, the university will offer:
- Introductory UDL and accessibility learning modules
- Workshops focused on practical strategies
- Tool-specific tutorials (such as Ally, Microsoft accessibility checkers, SensusAccess, etc.)
- Opportunities to engage with peers and learn from campus examples
Participation is encouraged so that faculty and staff can become familiar with expectations and identify practical next steps.
Do I need to attend training now?
Faculty and staff are encouraged to begin engaging with available resources and learning opportunities over the coming months. Early engagement will help the university prepare for the April 2026 compliance date and support a smooth, proactive transition.
Timeline
When do the new requirements take effect?
April 24, 2026.
What will happen between now and then?
The university will continue to:
- Share information and updates
- Provide training and resources
- Highlight practical strategies
- Support steady, proactive progress
This is a multi-year effort focused on continuous improvement rather than one-time changes.
Common Misconceptions
Is this an audit or enforcement campaign?
No. The current phase focuses on awareness, learning, and proactive improvement. The university’s approach emphasizes support, shared responsibility, and practical progress.
Will this add significant workload immediately?
The goal is to provide strategies that are high-impact and manageable. Many accessibility improvements align with good instructional and communication practices already in use across campus.
Is accessibility only about disability accommodations?
Accessibility benefits everyone. Clear structure, readable documents, captions, and flexible formats improve usability for all students and employees, including those accessing content on mobile devices or in varied environments.
Staying Informed
How will I receive updates?
Updates will be shared through:
- University communications
- Training announcements
- Department and college channels
- The UDL Resource Hub
Who should I contact with questions?
Questions about upcoming learning opportunities and resources can be directed through the contact information provided on the UDL Resource Hub website. Additional guidance will be shared as the initiative continues to roll out.
Testimonials
“Good design helps everyone (...) Universal Design means inclusion for everyone and I am seeing improvement (...) but there's still so much to do in this area. It's just going to take a lof of advocacy, time, and work. I hope to see it in the next five years.”
“[UDL] helps all students (...) if your PowerPoints, your videos, your websites, are accessible, they're going to work better for everybody. It's not just good for me, it's good practice overall: that's why it is 'universal', because it works for everybody.”
UDL principles are informed by research and guidance from CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology).