UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

ABSTRACT

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a theoretical approach aimed at eliminating barriers to ensure accessible education for all. Its premise is grounded in the variation of its principles and the structuring elements of curriculum planning. However, the relationship between this approach and Physical Education is not yet fully established, as there is a shortage of research exploring the interaction between these two fields. This highlights the need to deepen the understanding of how Physical Education can be grounded in UDL. In this context, the objective of this systematic review was to analyze the academic literature on the interface between UDL and Physical Education. Searches were conducted across different databases up to September 23, 2024, resulting in 29 studies included: 23 articles, three doctoral dissertations, two books, and one master’s thesis. Most of these studies are recent (less than 20 years), descriptive, and published in English, which points to the need to expand discussions on UDL and Physical Education in Brazil, particularly regarding instructional approaches for pedagogical practice in Physical Education classes.

KEYWORDS:
Physical Education; Curricular design; Special Education; School inclusion; Student with disabilities.