This brief describes a new approach to teaching and learning that can help middle and secondary teachers more effectively accommodate different learning styles, including those of students with disabilities. This approach, referred to as "universal design," holds potential for easing the transition to middle school and helping all students achieve academic success in their secondary school years. The basic idea behind universal design is that environments, curricula, and products should be designed, right from the start, to meet the needs of all users rather than just an "average" user. The brief describes Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a term used by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) to describe its work on curriculum design and access to curricula. The brief then describes how UDL works for students with disabilities. Examples are listed. Suggestions for what parents can do to help implement UDL approaches in the classrooms are also provided. A list of additional resources on UDL concludes the brief.