Universal design aims to make products and environments usable by all people without needing adaptation. It benefits those with disabilities but also others. There are seven principles of universal design including equitable use, flexibility, perceptible information and tolerance for error. Universal design provides multiple means of representation, engagement and action. It is being implemented in schools through curriculum design to benefit a wide range of students. Websites can apply universal design through high contrast text, sans serif fonts, chunking content, including alt tags and scripts for audio.

1. Assignment 2.3: Universal Design
By: Bo Miller

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. In
addition, making a product or an
environment accessible to people
with disabilities often benefits
others. For example, automatic doors
are an example of Universal Design.
The automatic door openers benefit
individuals in wheelchairs and
individuals using walkers, but also
benefit people holding babies as well
as elderly citizens.

2. The Process of Universal Design and Universal
Design Principles
 The Process

 The Principles
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1) Identify the application

2) Define the universe

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3) Involve consumers

2) Flexibility in use
3) Simple and intuitive

4) Adopt guidelines or standards
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5) Apply guidelines or standards
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5) Tolerance for error
6) Plan for accommodations

6) Low physical effort

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7) Train and Support
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8) Evaluate
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1) Equitable use

4) Perceptible information
7) Size and space for approach and use

3. The UDL Guidelines
 UD provides multiple means of

UD provides multiple means
of Engagement
representation.
1)
Provide options for perception.
Provide options for language and symbols
2)
3)


2) Provide options for sustaining effort and
persistence
Provide options for comprehension


UD provides multiple means of Action
and Expression.
1)
Provide options for physical action
Provide options for expressive skills and fluency
2)
3)
3) Provide options for executive functions
1) Provide options for recruiting interest
3) Provide options for self-regulation

4. Implementing UDL

In schools, there is a fixed
curriculum designed for
students but not all students.
We have labeled the students
for whom the curriculum does
not work for as having a
disability or being a slow
learner. The UDL framework is
being used help a wide range of
students. Planning and
Designing is important in UDL.
UDL is good for everyone and is
not designed for specific types
of students.

5. Designing Websites for Universal Access
 1) Use high contrast backgrounds and text
 2) Use Sans Serif fonts for text
 3) Make liberal use of chunking.
 4) Avoid using italics
 5) Make use of alt tags when using graphics
 6) Avoid the use of frames
 7) Include scripts when using audio files.