Learning Disabilities and Universal Design

The concept of "learning disability" (LD) is a relatively new notion, and theorists continue to debate about what exactly constitutes LD. Understanding LD is challenging because it does not represent a single trait that can be studied in isolation. To effectively serve students with LD, a number of approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention have been developed, and it is important to understand which assessments and interventions are effective and grounded in learning theory and effective practice. Students do not struggle with learning because they have a disability; they struggle because the environment poses barriers to learning. The Universal Design (UD) approach to instruction has emerged as a result of this shift in thinking.

• Educators
  
• Academic Administrators
  
• Teachers
  
• General Public
  
• Parents