Designing for Inclusion: Universal Design for Learning as a Catalyst in the IEP Process

In Designing for Inclusion, Robin Cunconan-Lahr and Barb Gentille Green offer Individualized Education Programs (IEP) team members-including educators, school administrators, caregivers and families, and students themselves-a set of resources to design the best IEPs possible.

They empower team members by providing essential background knowledge of the landmark special education laws that have established students' civil rights to a free and appropriate public education, which includes access to the general education curriculum. They then show how team members can leverage the research-based framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure that every student with disabilities has a full and valued presence and participation in inclusive learning communities.

In a "Gathering Room" at the end of each chapter, the authors offer guiding questions and places to write so that team members can collect their thoughts, promote collaboration, and reimagine what inclusion truly means.

Robin is an attorney and educator focusing her work in on disability rights advocacy. She has spent most of her legal career assisting families and students with disabilities in matters of special education law ensuring their rights under the IDEA. She also works to effectuate disability policy that impacts laws, attitudes, and systems change in order to create and sustain equitable and inclusive practices. Robin's work in higher education concentrates on preparing students who are on a career pathway to becoming educators. Through teaching and consulting, she informs and models the UDL framework to both current and future practitioners in the field, including those working in early childhood or school- age classrooms. Connect with Robin at innovatingforjusticelegal.com, on LinkedIn, or follow her on X at @RCunconanLahr.

Barb has devoted her career to advocating for students with disabilities, promoting inclusive educational systems. After rediscovering UDL in 2013, and recognizing its potential in designing inclusive environments, she began to provide professional learning experiences for educators, both locally and nationally, in order to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to implement inclusive practices in their classrooms. Barb is one of the hosts of the popular #UDLchat on Twitter and a co-host of "10 Minutes with Barb and Ron" through OCALI. These videos serve as a valuable resource for educators seeking practical guidance on implementing UDL principles in their teaching practices. Barb firmly believes in the power of embedding UDL into conversations and practice whenever possible.Connect with Barb on LinkedIn, or follow her on X at @BGentilleGreen.

Lindsay E. Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of CAST, where she works with innovative educators and researchers across the globe to design education systems that are learner-centered, flexible, accessible, and rooted in Universal Design for Learning. Lindsay leads strategy and implementation at CAST to ensure all of CAST's work removes barriers, fosters belonging, and creates equitable education opportunities for every learner.Lindsay previously served as the President and CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), a nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes innovation, research, and youth voice to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 with learning disabilities and attention issues. She also served as the senior director for policy and advocacy at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) where she led federal legislative advocacy and worked with dedicated educators from across the country.Lindsay began her career as an attorney, advising and representing schools and parents in special education matters. She was a partner with the law firm of Gust Rosenfeld in Phoenix, AZ, and is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the State Bar of Arizona.Lindsay is a sought-after education and disability policy expert. She currently sits on the National Advisory Committee of the Science of Learning and Development Alliance and is an Advisor to the Progress Center, a program that improves outcomes for students with disabilities, funded by OSEP and housed at the American Institutes of Research. She is a regular presenter at conferences across the nation and often appears in print and on air, including in publications like The Washington Post, US News and World Report, NPR, Education Week, and the National Journal.Throughout her career, Lindsay has served on several education-related boards including the Arizona Education Foundation, the Committee for Education Funding, IDEA Full Funding Coalition, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Education Taskforce, University of Arizona Law College Association, and Council of School Attorneys, National School Boards Association.