Using Assistive Technology for the Classroom

Welcome to the Universal Design for Learning Lab (UD Lab), an assistive technology model classroom located in the Bagwell Education Building Room 217. The Universal Design for Learning Lab (UD Lab) here at Kennesaw State University is a place in which teachers-in-training, educators, administrators, assistive technology specialists and other interested parties are provided with an interactive experience in what it means to design and deliver instruction so that barriers to learning may be overcome.  

The Universal Design Lab blends technology with the philosophies of Universal Design for Learning, which is a scientific-based framework that guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning styles. Universal Design for Learning addresses the "what, "how", and "why" of learning and facilitates curriculum content to be presented in different ways.

Our goal is help prepare teachers to anticipate and meet the varying barriers to learning students face. Visitors are immersed in the elements of Universal Design for Learning. The lab provides educators with hands-on experiences as they explore the most current high-tech and low-tech technology to provide learners with voice and choice in education universally designed learning environments.

Mission and Events

Prepare teachers to anticipate and meet the varying barriers to learning students face through increasing awareness of the needs of students with disabilities, English Leaners and the impact of Universal Design for Learning on teaching effectiveness. 

Increase knowledge and skills of preservice teachers, in-service teachers, faculty administrators and other educators in low-tech and high-tech assistive technology innovations. 

Evaluate and disseminate UD Lab activities and outcomes for sustainability and replication.

Foster community engagement and collaboration to enhance knowledge and availability of accessibility tools and resources.

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ksu student working on a project in the UD lab.

Services and Resources for Using the UD Lab

Our resources and services provide a hands-on hub for exploring innovative assistive technologies that support exceptional learning needs in our communities. From pencil grips and color overlays to telepresence robotics and communication devices, the lab offers tools and software for every classroom. Guests can engage with interactive stations, learn practical applications of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and participate in problem-solving activities tailored to meet the needs of various learners. Whether visiting in person or virtually, the UD lab provides a customizable and immersive experience for educators and visitors alike.

  • The Universal Design Lab has numerous devices, applications and other software that are identified as low, middle, or high technology. Items ranging from pencil grips, ball chair, and color overlays to digital microscopes, telepresence robotics and communication enhancing devices can be discovered in the lab. Descriptions are provided at each station for the assistive technologies. These descriptions provide instructions for interacting with each station, how the technology can be implemented in the classroom, and how the technology addresses the specific needs of learners.

  • Guests are offered hands-on experiences with the latest adaptive technology to meet the needs of students with physical, cognitive, and attention deficits. Both high tech and “low tech” assistive technology are available in the lab. Computer programs and applications are demonstrated to provide teachers a glimpse into a wide range of features of tools available to help students. Assistance with writing, math and attention are presented in the lab, as well, as most teachers will certainly address those issues immediately upon entering the classroom. The UD  Lab also provides an interactive experience in Universal Design for Learning. Guests are asked to participate in activities in which they help problem solve in meeting the needs of various learners. Guests are introduced to the key tenants of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and are asked to incorporate them as they address various learning scenarios presented in the lab.

    Visitors are presented with various scenarios characteristic of students  with various learning needs.  They explore the model classroom with a selection of devices and application software technology to match the resources with the needs of the targeted student, including equipment, displays, and other resources in the lab to determine which of them might be used in planning instruction and in what manner would each resource be used to help the student. Please keep in mind school systems have varying resources. 

    Tours can be customized to fit the individual needs of visitors.

  • Take a 360-degree virtual tour of the Universal Design for Learning Lab and discover innovative tools and resources to support diverse learners. Click on various points in the virtual photo to learn about each topic. If you’re completing an assigned lesson, explore the “Lesson Plans/Student Scenarios” section to dive into student cases and apply your findings. For questions or to schedule an in-person visit, contact Dr. Lorilei Thompson at lthomp53@kennesaw.edu. 

    Start your journey today and experience the possibilities of Universal Design for Learning!

    virtual lab

Contact Us During Office Hours

Discover how innovative assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning principles can transform education for exceptional learners. Under the guidance of Dr. Lorilei Thompson, an expert in special education and UDL, the lab offers hands-on experiences and resources to support inclusive teaching. Schedule a visit today during office hours to explore cutting-edge tools and customize your learning experience.

Contact Dr. Thompson at lthomp53@kennesaw.edu to plan your visit and unlock new possibilities for meeting the needs of all students!