Lauren's Literary Tale

 This all-inclusive library floor plan meets ADA and UDL requirements and ensures that all students enjoy a positive and safe library experience.  There are double doors that are located on opposite sides of the library, with clear spaces surrounding them and utilizing lever handles. The doorway clear opening is 32 inches, and the door heights are 80 inches. The shelves are strategically placed throughout the library to allow for traffic flow and easier understanding of the organization of the collection. The shelf height is 40 inches, and the aisle width is 42 inches.  There are tables and chairs placed throughout the library for a variety of uses that all meet UDL guidelines, including building knowledge (tables and desk chairs in front of the Smartboard for whole-group lessons), emotional capacity (comfortable soft chairs in reading nooks that can be used in a common space for independent or partner reading), strategy development (tables and desk chairs with computers ...

  Universal Design for Learning is a way to design the learning environment to ensure that all students have experiences that are accessible and equitable for their learning needs. According to cast.org, the UDL guidelines aim to provide "learner agency that is purposeful and reflective, resourceful and authentic, and strategic and action-oriented"  (CAST).  Upon reflection of my current teaching practices, I recognized many of these guidelines that I am using in the classroom already. I often will adjust how I display or share information by using simple font, larger spacing that is easy to read, and provide descriptions or clarifications of information presented visually. However, I could add more means of representation for auditory information right now to my teaching practice. This could be providing written transcripts to videos or providing captions. Another UDL guideline refers to providing options for language, mathematical expressions, and symbols. I already pro...