Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a flexible framework designed to create inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for all students. Rather than being a set of prescribed practices, UDL promotes a mindset of continuous improvement by offering multiple options and strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners. The guides below, produced by the Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Center (CTE TAC), explore how UDL can be applied across the 14 career clusters from Advance CTE in their Modernized National Career Clusters Framework.
Given the hands-on, relevant, and authentic nature of Career and Technical Education (CTE), UDL is a natural fit for these classrooms. Each guide in this series builds on the tips shared in previous CTE TAC publications, Supporting All Students in New York State CTE Programs and Supporting Special Populations in New York State CTE Programs. These resources are available on the CTE TAC special populations webpage and offer practical strategies for making CTE programs more inclusive for all students.
Lesson plans highlighted as examples in each guide are not an endorsement by the CTE TAC or the NYSED. They have been used as examples to highlight where UDL exists in the lesson and provoke critical thinking among educators as it pertains to the teaching and learning of students in their CTE classrooms and laboratories in NYS.
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Ready to put UDL into action? The UDL Design Canvas helps CTE teachers move from principles to practice with a simple, structured approach to creating flexible, accessible learning activities. Use the graphic organizer and accompanying step-by-step instructions to explore six steps for bringing the ideas and strategies from our UDL for CTE Career Clusters series into your classroom.
View the Graphic Organizer View Step-by-Step Instructions Accessible Organizer
The below guides are intended for digital use, you may download printable PDF copies of each guide here.
Advanced Manufacturing (Engineering, Health, Safety & Quality Assurance, Industrial Machinery, Production & Automation, Robotics)
Agriculture (Agricultural Commerce, Agricultural Technology & Automation, Animal Science, Food Science & Processing, Plant Systems, Water Systems)
Arts, Entertainment & Design (Design & Digital Arts, Fashion & Interiors, Film & Broadcasting, Fine Arts, Lighting & Sound Engineering, Performing Arts)
Construction (Architecture & Civil Engineering, Construction Planning & Development, Operators & Maintenance, Skilled Trades)
Digital Technology (Data Science & AI, IT Support & Services, Network Systems & Cybersecurity, Software Solutions, Unmanned Vehicle Technology, Web & Cloud)
Education (Early Childhood Development, Education Administration, Learner Support & Community, Engagement, Teaching, Training & Facilitation)
Energy & Natural Resources (Clean & Alternative Energy, Conservation & Parks, Ecological Research & Development, Environmental Protection, Resource Extraction, Utilities)
Financial Services (Banking & Credit, Financial Strategy & Investments, Insurance, Real Estate)
Health Care & Human Services (Behavioral Health, Biotechnology Research & Development, Community & Social Services, Health Data & Administration, Personal Care Services, Physical & Holistic Health)
Hospitality, Events & Tourism (Accommodations, Conferences & Events, Culinary & Food Services, Travel & Leisure)
Management & Entrepreneurship (Accounting, Business Information Management, Business Management & Operations, Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Project Management, Regulation)
Marketing & Sales (Marketing & Advertising, Market Research, Analytics & Ethics, Retail & Customer Experience, Strategic Sales)
Public Service & Safety (Emergency Response, Judicial Systems, Local, State & Federal Services, Military & National Security, Public Safety)
Supply Chain & Transportation (Air & Space Transportation, Ground & Rail Transportation, Maintenance & Repair, Marine Transportation, Planning & Logistics
Purchasing & Warehousing)