ADAC’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Workshops offer flexible professional learning to help teachers design inclusive, engaging, and accessible learning experiences for all students.
The UDL Framework
Why This Matters for Your School
For leaders, investing in UDL professional learning is a practical way to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, support diverse learners, and align classroom practice with your school’s mission and strategic priorities. UDL provides a shared language and structure that connect and enhance existing initiatives, rather than adding another task to an already full plate. Because teachers work directly with their own curriculum, units, and student data, the learning is immediately relevant and directly tied to improved student engagement, access, and outcomes.
The Case for UDL Professional Learning
UDL is a research-based framework that improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all students by drawing on scientific insights into how humans learn. When UDL is a sustained focus of professional learning, schools move from a one-size-fits-all approach to proactive design that anticipates learner variability from the start. By planning for multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression, teachers remove barriers, expand meaningful options, and maintain high expectations so more students can access rigorous content and demonstrate what they know.
For leaders, UDL strengthens core instruction and supports diverse learners, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students needing enrichment, within the general education classroom rather than relying primarily on pull-out support. A clear focus on UDL in workshops gives educators time to learn, apply, and refine practices in their own units and with their own data, increasing the chances that new strategies become part of everyday teaching. Over time, a shared UDL framework helps align and amplify existing efforts, including MTSS, inclusion, social-emotional learning, and content-area initiatives, advancing both equity and academic excellence across the school.
Workshop focus and structure
Improve student engagement, access, and outcomes
Universal Design for Learning Workshop are customized to each school’s context, but typically:
- A series of standalone workshops customized to your current initiatives and needs
- A 3-hour or full-day in-person professional learning experience
- A 2-hour virtual workshop
- A seven-session UDL pathway that sequences content across time for schools that want a deeper, ongoing arc of learning
If you don’t see the service you had in mind, please reach out. We are happy to develop and customize professional learning workshops to meet your needs.
Services and Delivery Methods
1
UDL Workshops
In-Person or Virtual
Customizable sessions that introduce UDL, model core practices, and provide structured design time using your school’s existing curriculum and student data. Available as 3-hour blocks, full-day sessions, or 2-hour virtual formats.
2
Hybrid UDL Series
On-Site Launch and Virtual
An in-person launch workshop followed by virtual sessions that continue the learning while minimizing travel and scheduling challenges.
3
Seven-Session UDL Pathway
In-Person and Virtual
A seven-session virtual sequence that deepens understanding and application of UDL over time and provides multiple points for implementation, reflection, and refinement.
Interested in learning how our Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Workshops can support your school or diocese? Submit the form below and Dr. Julie Cantillon, Senior Vice President for Professional Learning, will be in touch shortly.
