From Accommodations to Access: Leveraging Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Inclusive and Effective Physical Therapy Education

This methodology, with anecdotal evidence, explains how UDL principles can simplify implementing ADA accommodations while creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. This method presents how UDL was applied to specific student scenarios in DPT education, highlighting the role of technological tools and adaptive teaching strategies.

UDL principles were integrated across a cohort of PT students. Faculty applied multimodal teaching methods and adaptive technologies such as digital textbooks with text-to-speech functionality, assistive technologies such as amplified stethoscopes, and flexible assessment formats to accommodate students with dyslexia and auditory processing disorders. A hands-on analysis of technological tools like speech-to-text and phone-based inclinometers was also conducted with students who required accommodations to ensure that these students had the appropriate accommodations and support in their clinical practice coursework. 

Within the cohort, two students anecdotally reported that the application of UDL directly addressed their needs, significantly improving their engagement, participation, and confidence.  These students noted that the UDL approach improved understanding and retention of complex concepts. Anecdotal faculty feedback also indicated that proactive UDL planning minimized the need for reactive accommodations.

This method model abstract illustrates that UDL principles both address the requirements of the ADA regarding educational accommodations and enhance the overall learning experience for all students. Proactively incorporating UDL into course design reduces barriers, fosters inclusion, and promotes student success. Further work should focus on the perceptions of the impact of the integration of UDL across institutions utilizing these principles to educate students.

UDL should be more widely adopted in DPT education to effectively meet ADA  and disability-related legislative requirements. Additionally, technological tools and flexible teaching strategies should be further explored to ensure all students, regardless of their specific needs, can fully engage with the curriculum and succeed in their educational journey.