Teaching English to Special Educational Need Students through an Online Tool

Abstract

Language learning through online tools has become customary, especially during COVID-19 pandemic, but this type of education does not always consider the requirements for students with special educational needs (SEN) despite teachers struggle to include disabled students in online teaching. This article presents the educational potential of using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to help SEN students learn English. First, a theoretical framework that covers the basis of the En-Abilities project and the UDL pedagogical principles that sustain the platform organisation and contents is provided. Then, practical examples of some of the activities and the results gathered after its practical implementation are shown. In the conclusions, achievements are summarised and new paths to explore in the field of foreign languages learning for students with SEN are foreseen.