Universal design for learning: not another slogan on the street of inclusive education

Abstract

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is increasingly gaining currency as an approach towards achieving inclusive education by enabling the provision of flexible instructional strategies from the onset. However, there is need to find ways of navigating the hegemonic neoliberal, capitalist values controlling contemporary public education if meaningful change is to be realized. What is suggested is the necessity of paying attention to the invisible strings that control public schooling, its character and function in the society, rather than focusing only on proposing a few reforms that correct specific problems in the education system. UDL is a step towards the right direction in the pursuit of inclusive education, but much more systemic reform is needed.