After successfully working in education reform and innovation efforts, James (Jamie) Basham (a professor) and Jeff Diedrich (an education leader) wanted to advance understanding and practice of UDL across the global education space. What emerged was a grassroots and network-based effort to promote the design of research-based learning environments.
The Universal Design for Learning Implementation and Research Network (UDL-IRN) supports the scaled implementation and research related to Universal Design for Learning. Through collaboration, we support and promote the identification and development of models, tools, research, and practices designed to foster effective UDL implementation in educational environments. We encourage and welcome participation in these discussions.


Our mission is to support the design of future-ready learning environments that are equitable, beneficial, and meaningful for all learners.
James Basham, Founder
Operations Team

James Basham

Steve Nordmark

Sue Hardin

Bryan Dean

McKenzie Nicholis
Advisory Board Members
Elizabeth (“Liz”) Berquist, Ed.D.
David Davis
Jim Gardner, Ph.D.
Aleksandra Hollingshead, Ed.D.
Alisa Lowrey, Ph.D.
Matthew Marino, Ph.D.
Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D.
Sean Joseph Smith, Ph.D.
George Van Horn, Ed.D.
Kavita Rao, Ph.D.
David Reid
Sharon Grady
Operations Committee Leaders
Professional Learning: Sue Hardin
Research: Kavita Rao
Summit: McKenzie Nicholis
Special Interest Group Leaders
UDL Implementation: Cherie Smith, Elizabeth Stark
UDLHE Network: Eric Moore, Jennifer Pusateri
Assessment & Measurement: Bob Dolan, Cara Laitusis