LD UDL and AT
From LiteracyTentWiki
What is the Difference between Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology?
"Much like everything else there are several interpretations out there on UDL and AT. Universal Design for Learning is a larger vision than AT. Universal Design for Learning incorporates assistive technology. If the environments are not set up to work with the assistive technology (e.g. operating systems and web sites) students with disabilities prevented from accessing information.
The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University (CAST) has (I think) one of the best definitions of Universal Design for Learning. CAST’s definition states that UDL is “ …the design of products and environments with the goal that they are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”
A great book on the subject is Teaching Every Student in a Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning by David H. Rose and Anne Meyer, and you can find information about the book online at (http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/). The authors break down the components of UDL which involve Origins (architecture, access, and education), Principles, Implementation (role of Neuroscience, role of digital media, and the new role of assistive technology), and Application (goal setting, methods & materials and assessment)
CAST has a few streaming videos for a recent conference that have experts discussing the definitions of Universal Design for Learning and AT.
Assistive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities...", according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998." Dr. Chrstopher Lee. See full discussion with Dr. Lee, a September, 2005 guest speaker on the NIFL-LD Discussion List, at http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/AleLDUniversalDesign
