Universal design aims to make products and environments usable by all people without needing adaptation. It involves designing for the widest range of human abilities from the beginning rather than retrofitting for specific groups. The universal design guidelines provide multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement. In education, universal design for learning is implemented through creating accessible curricula and lessons that can be understood by all students.

1. Universal
Design of
Learning
By: Danielle DePompei

2. What is Universal Design?
 It is hard to pinpoint an exact definition for universal
design.
 The Center for Universal Design has defined it as, “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.”
 This means that instead of coming up with a
generalized plan that fits the “average” person, the
plan is made to benefit all people.

3. What are the UD Guidelines?
 The Universal Design
guidelines are broken
down into three sets:
 Provide Multiple Means
of Representation
 Provide Multiple Means
of Action & Expression
 Provide Multiple Means
of Engagement
 These are then further
broken down to ensure
that they will be
understood

4. How Does This Translate to the
Classroom?
 When Universal Design is
being used in a classroom
setting, it is the focus at the
very beginning.
 UD is used in the creation of
the curriculum, and then it is
carried out through the
lesson.
Here is a video showing how one
teacher used UD in her classroom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=zUkXdTyD6rg

5. References
 "The Center for Universal Design - About
UD." The Center for Universal Design -
About UD. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.
 Perkins. "Universal Design for Learning ( 2
of 6)." YouTube. YouTube, 07 Dec. 2012.
Web. 25 Sept. 2013.