Article Response: "Assistive Technology and UDL: Two Sides of the Same Coin"

The authors of this article argue that UDL and AT work together to benefit students with disabilities, "Advances in one approach prompt advances in the other." I would argue that the two work in unison to help all students, not just those with learning disabilities or difficulties.

The idea that AT and UDL co-exist on a continuum. They each have their own clear distinctions, but there is some overlap in the middle. Both approaches to education are meant to reduce barriers for students. The others use history curricula to point out how AT and UDL might be used to reduce barriers and enhance learning. History relies heavily on written text to comprehend concepts. "Taking an AT perspective, the problem can  be considered and individual problem." A UDL perspective addresses the issue as an "environmental problem". History curricula's over-dependence on written text "raises barriers to engagement and mastery for many students.

In this specific case, a UDL approach with a "multimedia curriculum that provides digital, universally designed media that offer diverse options for viewing and manipulating content and expressing knowledge" would be more beneficial for all students. This is room in education for both approaches and we must start looking at the foundation of our curriculum to provide more comprehensive learning strategies for all and then individualize from there if necessary.

UDL AND AT WORKING TOGETHER