Senate Recognizes 40 Years of Universal Design for Learning with Resolution 723

CAST, a leader in educational innovation, marks a significant milestone with the U.S. Senate's passage of Senate Resolution 723. This resolution commemorates 40 years of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), celebrating its impact on making education inclusive and accessible for all learners. The resolution underscores UDL's role in professional development for educators and breaking down barriers to learning.

Lindsay Jones, CEO of CAST, highlighted the resolution as a "beacon for the future of education," praising the Senate's support. Senate Resolution 723 acknowledges UDL's contribution to professional development, expanding access to education and employment, and pioneering innovative practices across the U.S.

According to Pew Research, 48.9 million people in the U.S. have at least one disability, with 7.3 million students with disabilities comprising 15% of public school enrollment in 2021-22. In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice mandated that digital learning resources meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by 2026-2027, ensuring accessibility for all students.

Schools must now adhere to WCAG principles—perceivable, operable, understandable, robust (POUR)—across all digital mediums impacting student opportunities, including curriculum materials and online assessments. The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials at CAST provides extensive resources to support these new requirements.