UDL Guidelines - Version 1.0: Examples and Resources
Checkpoint 1.3 Options that provide alternatives for visual information
udlcenter [at] cast [dot] org (Can you think of other examples/resources that illustrate this checkpoint? )udlcenter [at] cast [dot] org (Tell us! )
| Example/Resource | Description | See Also | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
WGBH's Guidelines for Describing STEM Images
"This website provides both general guidelines that should be followed when describing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) images for people who are blind or who have visual impairments and many examples of how the guidelines can be implemented." Why UDL? A great deal of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) content is in the form of graphs, tables, diagrams, and math equations. This visual information is inaccessible to individuyals who are blind or visually impaired. WGBH's Guidelines for description are a great example of providing alternatives for visual information. Age Group: All ages |
Informational website | |
 |
Art Beyond Sight
"A one stop resource for bringing art and culture to people with visual impairments." Be sure to check out their handbook which includes theory, research, learning tools and suggestions for how to discuss and describe art to individuals who are visually impaired. Why UDL? Art Beyond Sight provides guidance on how to make visual art accessible to all individuals. Age Group: All ages |
Informational website including teaching materials | |
 |
Fred's Head from APH
"The Fred's Head blog contains tips, techniques, tutorials, in-depth articles, and resources for and by blind or visually impaired people. Fred's Head is offered by the American Printing House for the Blind." Why UDL? The resources included in the Fred's Head blog provide numerous examples of proving alternatives for visual information. Age Group: All ages |
Informational blog | |
 |
CAST's UDL Editions
"UDL Editions take advantage of the flexibility of digital media to reach and engage all learners. Leveled supports and the Texthelp Toolbar balance challenge and support for each learner, ages 10 and up. Select your book to get started!" Why UDL? The text-to-speech feature in UDL Editions is an excellent example providing options for visual information. Press "play" in the toolbar to hear the story read aloud. This feature not only benefits students who are blind or visually impaired, but students who are struggling readers or who are English Language Learners as well. Age Group: Grade 3 and up |
Teaching material |
Checkpoints: 2.1: Options that define vocabulary and symbols 2.2: Options that clarify syntax and structure More to come! |
 |
You've Got Braille
An informational website for young students to learn about different apects of braille. Type in a message, and see how it would look in braille! Why UDL? Providing information through braille for students who are blind or who are visually imparied is another alternative for representing visual information. Age Group: Elementary |
Informational website | |
 |
Learning Through Listening
Learning Through Listening is a website that offers "free listening focused content and skill building exercises such as:
Why UDL? Preseting information through sound is one way to provide aternatives to visual information. However, developing strong listening skills is no easy task! Educators can explore this website for specific activities as well as resources and information on how to develop the powerful learning skill of listening. Age Group: All ages |
Informational website including teaching materials | |
 |
Math ML
Informational website on Mathematical Markup Language, or MathML. MathML is an XML application for describing mathematical notation and capturing both its structure and content. Why UDL? Access this website to learn more about Math ML and how mathematical equations are being embedded in digital format in the same way that text has been embedded to promote the flexibility and fluidity of mathematical notation on the web. Age Group: All ages |
Informational website |
Checkpoints: |
 |
MathType
MathType can be used to create accessible math content via MathType's MathPage function. The resulting web document can then be read with any MathML-enabled screen reader or assistive technology application. Why UDL? MathType's ability to to turn math content into content that can be read aloud is a perfect example of providing options for visual information. With MathType, all learners have access to printed math content! Age Group: All ages |
Informational website | |
 |
Voki
Voki is text to speech generator that allows the user to create a personal speaking avatar that can be embedded in a website. The site offers a high level of customization ranging from the overall look of the Voki to the sound of its voice. Why UDL? Personal speaking avatars that read text aloud is a great example of providing options for visiual information. Plus, the fact that students can customize the look and sound of their avatars adds to engagement! Age Group: All ages |
Tool |
Checkpoints: |
 |
Victor Reader Stream by Humanware
Victor Reader Stream is a portable USB text-speech tool for electronic resources. It is a DAISY, MP3, and NISO player with advanced features including a microphone to record voice notes. Why UDL? Victor Reader Stream's text-to-speech tool is a perfect example of providing an alternative to visual information. Age Group: All ages |
Tool | |
 |
Described and Captioned Media Program
Described and Captioned Digital Media Program is a library of over 4,000 open-captioned titles (videos, CD-ROM, and DVD). Several hundred titles are also streamed on the web site. The videos are designed for students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf blind. Why UDL? The work that DCMP does to describe visual information so that it is accessible to individuals who are blind or who have visual impairments is a great example of providing alternatives to visual information. Plus, all learners benefit from the detailed descriptions of images that reveal and highlight critical features. Age Group: All ages |
Tool |
Checkpoint: |
Tell Me More! This icon will link to examples for some of the checkpoints.
Get Evidence! This icon will ink to the latest evidence & scholarly research.
