UDL vs Differentiation vs Accommodations

UDL occupies a distinctive position within the landscape of inclusive education approaches. Unlike differentiation — which responds to identified student needs after the fact — UDL is proactive, designing flexibility into the curriculum from the outset. Unlike reasonable accommodations — which provide individual adjustments for students with documented disabilities — UDL benefits all learners by reducing barriers for everyone. UDL is not a special education strategy but a general education strategy that makes special education accommodations less necessary.