1. +
Universal Design
Growing in Popularity and
Implementation into Schools
By: Taylor Tomlinson

2. +
What is Universal Design?

According to the Center for Universal Design, "is the
design of products and environments to be usable by all
people, to the greatest extent possible, without the
need for adaptation or specialized design”

When Universal Design (UD) is applied, a product is
“usable to the greatest extent possible by people of
all ages and abilities” (Story, Mueller, & Mace, 1998)

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How is UD Implemented in
Schools?

Universal design puts high
value on both diversity and
inclusiveness.

Unlike an accommodation for a
specific person with a disability,
the practice of UDE benefits
allstudents.

UD applications in educational
settings seen in: physical
spaces, information technology
(IT), instruction, and student
services.
Individuals with and without
disabilities
can use the same entrances, travel
routes,
and spaces!

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UD in Schools
UD is seen in 4 MAJOR AREAS in Education:
Physical Spaces, Information Technology, Instruction,
and Student Services
of PHYSICAL SPACES- “UD classroom furniture is
adjustable in height and can be easily arranged for
different learning activities and groupings. A universally
designed facility includes clear directional signs in
large, high-contrast print.”
 UD
of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY- “Products that
are usable by a broad audience in terms of: output and
displays, input and controls, manipulations,
documentation, and safety.”
 UD

5. +
UD in Schools Continued
 UD
of INSTRUCTION- wide range of abilities, learning
styles, and preferences incorporated through:
-Multiple means of representation, to give learners
various ways of acquiring information and knowledge;
-Multiple means of action and expression, to provide
learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know;
and
-Multiple means of action and engagement, to tap into
learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and
increase motivation.

6. +
UD in Schools Continued
 UD
of STUDENT
SERVICES: Services are
accessible to, and usable by
all students.
 These
services include:
-computer labs, libraries,
admissions, registration,
financial aid, advising,
career services, housing,
tutoring and learning
centers, and student
organizations
Example: Miami University’s
Rinella Learning Center
“Programs and Services are
organized to help students with
varied academic preparation ad
backgrounds learn what is
necessary to perform at acceptable
levels inside and outside the
classroom.”

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Works Cited

"Miami University: Rinella Learning Center Services." Rinella
Learning Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.

"Universal Design in Education: Principles and Applications."
Universal Design in Education: Principles and Applications.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.