At the Actuarial Teaching Conference in Chicago, IL, I spoke about Universal Design for Learning and how to make actuarial classes more accessible and equitable. 

Abstract:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) refers to course design choices that maximize the accessibility of your material and assessments to students. It can have huge benefits for students with disabilities, but also has a positive impact on all students. This phenomenon is sometimes called the “curb cut effect,” where an accommodation for some people makes the world better for everyone. When applying Universal Design to a course, the principles are to include multiple means of presentation, engagement, and expression. But it does not mean sacrificing academic standards. In this talk I will discuss some of the myths and facts about UDL, as well as some simple changes you can make to your courses to incorporate accessibility and remove barriers to learning.