The article by Guy Boysen provides an evidence-based review of sound foundational works in the field of universal design for learning (UDL). As the field of UDL continues to evolve, his work is timely and important. The questions he raises about the foundational research base supporting UDL illustrate the significance of scientific scrutiny about how research is translated into educational policy. Reading the author’s article, I realized that I had first-hand information about one aspect of the critique concerning how the initial UDL research based was identified. The purpose of this article is to provide a historical footnote that may assist the profession in analyzing the UDL evidence base and its connection to educational policy.
BoysenGA (2024) A critical analysis of the research evidence behind CAST‘s universal design for learning guidelines. Policy Futures in Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103241255428
2.
EdyburnDL (2000a) 1999 in review: a synthesis of the special education technology literature. Journal of Special Education Technology15(1): 7–18.
3.
EdyburnDL (2000b) Universal design for learning (presenter and moderator, panel presentation, opening session). Office of special education programs, U.S. Department of Education, ERIC/OSEP Special Project Directors’ Meeting, Washington, DC, July 12-14, 2000.
4.
EdyburnDL (2010) Would you recognize universal design for learning if you saw it? ten propositions for new directions for the second decade of UDL. Learning Disability Quarterly33(1): 33–41.
5.
EdyburnD (2019, March 20) Universal design for learning and the landfill of revolutionary educational innovations. In Presentation at the Inclusive Instructional Design and UDL Around the World Symposium, Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education, Las Vegas, NV, 2019, March 20.
6.
EdyburnDL (2020) Universal design for learning and the landfill of revolutionary educational innovations. In: GronsethSLDaltonEM (eds) Universal Access Through Inclusive Instructional Design: International Perspectives on UDL. NY: Routledge, 332–342.
7.
EdyburnDL (2021) Ten years later: would you recognize universal design for learning if you saw it? column Guest Editor’s introduction. Intervention in School and Clinic56(5): 308–309.
EdyburnDLEdyburnKD (2015) Design for more types: designing text to support the access, engagement, and success of diverse learners. In EdyburnDL (ed) Advances in Special Education Technology - Volume 2: Accessible Instructional Design (pp. 121–159). Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing.
10.
EdyburnDLGardnerJE (eds) (2009) Readings in Special Education Technology: Universal Design for Learning. Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
11.
EdyburnDHigginsKBooneR (eds) (2005) Handbook of Special Education Technology Research and Practice. Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design Inc.
12.
HoweryKL (2021) The language we use to speak UDL. In: LoweryKA (ed) Critical Issues in Universal Design for Learning. Orlando, FL: Knowledge by Design, 11–41.
13.
LoweryKA (2021) Critical Issues in Universal Design for Learning. Orlando, FL: Knowledge by Design.
14.
MelnykBMFineout-OverholtE (2023) Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. 5th edition. Chennai: Wolters Kluwer.
15.
OrkwisRMcLaneK (1998) A Curriculum Every Student Can Use: Design Principles for Student Access. OSEP Topical Brief. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
RaoKOkMWSmithSJ, et al. (2020) Validation of the UDL reporting criteria with extant UDL research. Remedial and Special Education41(4): 219–230.
19.
RoseDHMeyerA (2000) The Future Is in the Margins: The Role of Technology and Disability in Educational Reform. Washington, DC: Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED451624.pdf.
20.
RoseDMeyerA (2002) Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age. Arlington, VA: ASCD.
21.
RoseDHHasselbringTSStahlS, et al. (2005) Assistive technology and universal design for learning: two sides of the same coin. In: EdyburnDHigginsKBooneR (eds) Handbook of Special Education Technology Research and Practice. Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design, 507–518.
22.
SousaDA (1998) Learning Manual for How the Brain Learns. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
