Universal design for learning (UDL) in higher education may be a useful tool in supporting the heterogenous higher education student population, specifically in supporting student academic outcomes and retention. With more students enrolling in digital formatted education, specifically international students, a strong framework must be established to support non-geocentric students. Using survey responses of undergraduate degree-seeking students, this mixed-methods study explored the students’ perceptions and impact of UDL in virtual learning modalities (online courses, independent studies, and virtual study groups). A sample size of 57 participants used a Likert-type survey to assess the student-reported prevalence of UDL techniques in higher education in various virtual learning modalities. Students also discussed the strategies that impacted their experience as learners and the mode of study in which they felt most successful. Implications for practice and research are also presented.

The use of tobacco products by adolescents has greatly increased in recent years. Adolescents with disabilities have demonstrated higher instances of e-cigarette and tobacco use in relation to their peers without disabilities. Repercussions for e-cigarette and tobacco use increase negative physical and health implications and financial which ultimately will further the gap for individuals with disabilities over time. It is argued that adolescents with disabilities are more susceptible to begin using tobacco and remain using tobacco which can lead to further use of addictive substances. In this paper, the researcher explained the use of tobacco within the adolescent population, specifically for individuals with disabilities, the impact of tobacco use for individuals with disabilities, reviewed previous studies on tobacco use for adolescents with disabilities, points to the need for educational policy reform, and stated certain recommendations for mitigating tobacco use in adolescents with disabilities, which may result in positive future outcomes. The literature review indicated that the targeted interventions in schools or peer groups reduces tobacco use in adolescents with disabilities.

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