Professor Kavita Rao, Director of the College of Education Research Institute (CERI), was presented with the David Rose Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Research Award during the UDL Convention International in Sacramento, California last month. The award recognizes researchers who have demonstrated excellence in investigating and implementing strategies, methodologies, and technologies that enhance the educational experience for all learners, regardless of their individual differences, abilities, or backgrounds.
“I am honored for this recognition in tribute to Dr. David Rose, one of the founders of UDL,” Rao said. “The award represents years of work with many collaborators and colleagues who are passionate about reducing barriers in learning environments and supporting all learners through proactive and inclusive design practices.”
With the college since 2009, Rao has served as an assistant, associate, and full professor in the Department of Special Education (SPED) as well as the graduate chair for the PhD in Education program.
“This award is one of the highest honors someone who studies Universal Design for Learning can receive,” Department of Special Education Chair Rhonda Black said. “The fact that Dr. Rao’s academic peers nominated her demonstrates the high esteem in which she is held nationally and internationally. We are so lucky to have Dr. Rao as part of our ‘ohana.”
Rao has worked in UDL implementation and research for 20 years with a focus on intentional and inclusive instructional design in K–12 and higher education environments. She has also been the chair of the UDL Implementation and Research (UDL-IRN) Network for several years, spearheading the development of the UDL Reporting Criteria.
“My students and colleagues at the University of Hawai’i, and the teachers and teacher educators I have worked with in Hawai’i, around the US, and globally are the source of my motivation to examine how UDL can be applied effectively,” Rao said. “They pose the critical questions, challenge the status quo, and look for ways to create more inclusive and welcoming learning environments daily.”
Dr. David Rose is a neuropsychologist and educator who is widely known for his central role in developing the field of UDL. UDL is a framework that promotes inclusive and accessible learning environments by providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to accommodate diverse learner needs. Now retired, Dr. Rose has served as the Executive Director of CAST, an internationally prominent non-profit research and development center that he co-founded in 1983, as well as on the faculty at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education where he has taught for more than 30 years.
“The success of UDL has depended upon our ability – and motivation – to learn both from the foundational research of the past and exploratory research that anticipates the future. With both past and future in mind, I am delighted we are recognizing Kavita Rao for this new award and honored by her acceptance.” ~ Dr. Rose
