Universal design is an approach to designing products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. When applied to education, it ensures all students can reach their highest level of learning by providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement. This includes using symbols, hands-on tools, music, and videos to represent material, as well as experiments, activities, plays, and games for students to demonstrate understanding and keeping their interest through songs, videos, humor, and questions.

1. Universal
Design
By Amy Barker

2. What is it?
A way to make (design) something so
that it can be fully used by everyone
without making any changes

3. Why is it important in
education?
 Includes all students, ensuring they all
reach the highest level of learning
possible
 Broad spectrum to fit a variety of needs
makes it easy for both the teacher and
the students
 Equity and fairness in the classroom

4. How to use it in education?
1. Provide multiple means of representation
2. Provide multiple means of action and
expression
3. Provide multiple means of engagement

5. Means of Representation
 Usedifferent ways to represent or show
the material being taught such as:
 Symbols
 Hands-on tools
 Music
 Video

6. Means of Action & Expression
 Usedifferent ways to express or actively
demonstrate what is being taught such
as:
 Science experiments (or other experiments)
 Hands-on activities
 Play or skit
 Game (or review game)

7. Means of Engagement
 Usedifferent ways to engage or capture
the interest of students for each lesson
being taught such as:
 Songs/music
 Watching a short video or clip
 Making a joke (making them laugh)
 Asking questions (making them think)