In my role as K-12 technology integration specialist I support technology integration in the classroom and the special education department with some of their assistive technology needs. I have often found myself trying to explain the difference between Differentiated Instruction (DI), Assistive Technology (AT) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I do not see them so much as different but related. All three are about providing options for learners. It is all about choosing the right tools for the job.

If the job is to read (decode or read for meaning) then screen reading programs or audio books are the wrong choice. If the goal is to improve handwriting skills or increase endurance and hand strength then a speech to text program or a scribe are detrimental to the goals. Certain tools can hurt a student’s progress and academic success if not used correctly. Access to information is not learning. What you do with the information affects learning. Before you set out to meet a learning objective you need to focus on the objective, then choose the methods or tools needed to meet the objective for each student.

Silverware Drawer Analogy
You have some meat you need to cut. If you are given a well prepare filet mignon you could probably cut your meat with a butter knife, if you are given an over cooked pot roast you might need a saw. Same goal, cut the meat, but each task requiring a variation of the tool. If you think about the silverware draw in your kitchen there are lots of tools that you may never use and some you are not even sure of what they do. There are others you use once in awhile. But the tools are there if you need them. Some of you may even have a favorite knife or fork that you hunt for in the drawer when you need them. We are given options, we make choices about what to use. Some students and adults have their favorite ways to accomplish tasks in their life and in learning. UDL is about options, it is about providing alternative means/tools to achieve a goal. You do not put everything from the silverware drawer out on the dinner table. You choose what you need depending on the meal.

UDL is about starting with a goal/objective for the learners, looking at the learners and providing alternative learning methods. By considering their varied skills, strengths and weakness, learners will have improved chances of meeting the objectives. Is this not also differentiated instruction? Currently in my mind DI is what a teacher actually does in the classroom and UDL is provided as part of the infrastructure of the curriculum. For example, UDL may include textbooks that come in various formats (such as text, audio and video).

AT provides tools to allow students access to the curriculum, if the curriculum is inflexible and can not be adapted to learner. For example a blind student who can not read printed text uses Braille books. Or the student who can not move their hands will need a switch to operate a computer. AT is very specific to an individual. AT is used when UDL does not provide alternative ways to meet the learning objectives.

UDL provides alternatives/options for the learner to work towards achieving the learning objectives. UDL recognizes all learners are unique and have different strengths, weakness and learning styles. It is a planned approach using curricular items that offer inherent flexibility for interaction and learning.