Equal Access to the Digital World!

Providing equal access to the digital world should be a standard for all learners.  The National Center on Universal Design for Learning (NCUDL) was established based on the ideas that Universal Design for Learning helps break down the "unintentional barriers" that are created by "inflexible, "one-size-fits-all" curricula" (NCUDL, 2012, p. 1).  According to NCUDL (2012), "average [students] may not have their learning needs met due to poor curricular design" (p. 1). Additionally, in 2004 the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was revised and the requirement that every child must be "considered" for assistive technology" was added (Mittler, 2007, p. 82).  

The use of technology to provide individualized, effective instruction provides the opportunity for teachers and students to meet the 21st century learning standards that are part of the Common Core Standards (CCCS) and the International Society for Technology in Education standards (ISTE) (Levin & Schrum, 2009).  
When schools and teachers strive to meet the principles of Universal Design for Learning all learners benefit.  It is a difficult approach that does require time and dedication from all members of a school community.  Above all it is necessary for teachers to have access to technology.  Additionally, it is essential for teachers to have training on ways to integrate technology.

There are ways parents can support the initiative to promote the principles of Universal Design for Learning in the classroom.  Reach out to the school board and superintendent and let them know if you feel your child has access to the digital world.  Raise awareness to other parents about the needs for technology in the classroom through PTA meetings.  Write grants for the school to receive donated technology.

References:

Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2014). Retrieved on April 12, 2014, from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/

International Society for Technology in Education. (2010). Retrieved on April 12, 2014, from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-S_PDF.pdf

Levin, B. B. & Schrum, L. (2009). Leading 21^st Century Schools: Harnessing Technology for Engagement and Achievement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Mittler, J. (2007). Assistive technology and IDEA. In C. Warger (Ed.), Technology integration: 

Providing access to the curriculum for students with disabilities. Arlington, VA: Technology and Media Division (TAM).

National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2013). Universal Design for       Learning Retrieved on April 12, 2014, from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl/conceptofudl