https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg en-us 2017-06-21 23:11:22 UTC 2017-06-22 02:25:14 UTC hello@padlet.com lexydavis https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg/wish/177146328 Though UD, UDL, and AT are not the same, they do intertwine in various ways and, essentially, are all made to benefit both individuals and society as a whole. Universal design, for example, can be characterized as a society that designs its infrastructure and products with the goal of making them useful to all regardless of one's age, size, disability, intelligence, or any other trait that varies amongst individuals ("What Is Universal Design", 2014). UDL, on the other hand, combines the ideas mentioned in UD with those resulting from brain research and presents ways in which the needs and interests of diverse learners can be met in an educational context; this addresses how different people benefit from different approaches and resources (Meyer, Rose & Gordon, 2014, p. 3).  Lastly, AT are devices/services that allow one to complete a task or engage in an activity with more ease and/or speed. In a school setting, IEP teams are required to consider them for Special Education students as they can "increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability" (Dell, Newton & Petroff, 2017, p. 4). 

With this knowledge, it is clear that UD, UDL, and AT alter individuals', both those with and without disabilites, daily lives. When used in combination with one another, they can have profound effects on one's range of abilities, independence, and overall quality of life. ]]> 2017-06-21 23:18:37 UTC https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg/wish/177146328 lexydavis https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg/wish/177149458 While those unfamiliar with the terms UD, UDL, and AT may not be able to state their definitions, it is safe to say that everyone has benefited from them before, even if they didn't realize it at the time. However, it is those with disabilities who rely on them the most. 

Universal Design and Assistive Technology both contain tools/features that are so common many do not even realize the importance they hold to some people. For instance, door handles that do not require a grip are a form of UD and allow individuals who have a disability that affects their motor skills to open a door independently. Similarly, automatic doors are AT that can assist those same individuals in addition to others confined to a wheelchair or who use a walker. UDL enables educators to provide students with disabilities instruction in a manner that best suits them. This includes taking the individual's learning style, abilities and preferences into account in order to reach them in a way that is most productive; it can even involve the inclusion of AT. ]]> 2017-06-22 00:14:06 UTC https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg/wish/177149458 lexydavis https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg/wish/177156217 Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: theory and practice. Wakefield, MA: CAST Professional Publishing, an imprint of CAST, Inc.

 National Disability Authority (2014). What is universal design. Retrieved from http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/

Dell, A.G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2017). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Boston, MA: Pearson. ]]> 2017-06-22 02:12:25 UTC https://padlet.com/lexydavis/7xh6q3dj5cjg/wish/177156217