Digital Tools and UDL-Based Instructional Strategies to Support Students With Disabilities Online

Abstract

In online and blended learning environments, students may experience learning barriers that are more pronounced than in the traditional classroom. When designing online instruction, teachers can use digital tools along with instructional strategies to reduce those barriers. Digital tools have various instructional and assistive features, which can provide supports for students with disabilities as well as other learners. This article addresses how teachers can make meaningful use of various digital tools in alignment with the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to reduce barriers and support students to meet learning and affective goals. The article describes how various commonly available digital tools coupled with instructional strategies provide supports for representation, action and expression, and engagement for students in online learning environments.