Sarah E. Silverman

I presented this talk at the Goodwin University UDL Conference on September 27th, 2024.

Link to Slides

Link to Session Handout

In this talk I had two goals:

1. I attempt to unpack the misconception that UDL is informed by “neurodiversity.” This may seem like a strange statement, but I mean primarily that UDL is informed by a recognition of *learner variability,* a concept that is distinct from, but often conflated with neurodiversity. I discussed the differences between these two ideas, and how their differences represent the distinct intellectual roots of the UDL and neurodiversity concepts.
2. I provide some ideas and thought questions for how UDL could be more informed by neurodiversity. I shared some anecdotes from impactful neurodiversity movement activities, and highlighted areas of the new UDL guidelines that align well with some neurodiversity concepts.