Universal Design (UD) is an approach to creating inclusive environments and instruction that meet the needs of all people regardless of ability. It focuses on diversity, flexibility, and accessibility. The process of UD involves identifying the context and users, gathering input from others, establishing guidelines, implementing designs comprehensively, providing accommodations and support, and evaluating feedback. Key principles are using multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. Proper implementation in the classroom uses flexible materials like digital tools, manipulatives, and visuals to meet varied student needs.

1. Universal Design
- Creating inclusive environments that meet the
needs of every individual

2. What is Universal Design?
 Universal Design (UD) is an approach to teaching with the
goal of creating products and environments that are easily
accessible for all people with and without disabilities.
 Adaptations and specialized instruction may be necessary.
 High focus on diversity, inclusiveness, and flexibility.

3. Process of Universal Design
1.) Identify Application: decipher the situation and environment
you wish to apply universal design to.
2.) Identify Population: describe the population’s characteristics
ex. students, faculty, age, gender, height.
3.) Involve Others: Include other people in this process because
other perspectives can be helpful.
4.) Set Guidelines/Standards: Look at previous universal design
guidelines and set your own standards based on your
application.

4. Process of
Universal Design
5.) Apply: use the set guidelines in your design to every aspect
including all the components of your design such as staff training. This
is important in order to enhance the benefits for the individual.
6.) Accommodations: figure out how to improve the design to meet
the needs of every individual.
7.) Train/Support: Offer support and give training to the individuals
helping with the program ex. staff, instructors, volunteers.
8.) Evaluate: critique the design and ask for feedback from the
public as well as the people involved.

5. Principles of Universal Design
1.) Multiple Means of Representation: There is not one way to
represent an idea or lesson to students. Different students need
different methods that work best for them. Ex.) manipulatives
2.) Multiple means of action/expression: Students express their
knowledge in very different ways ex.)visually, verbally
3.)Engaging students: In order to be successful in the classroom, we
need to get our students actively involved in what they are
learning so that they can pull the most information possible from
the lesson.
= DOG

6. Implementing UD in the
classroom
 Use materials that are flexible such as…
-digital materials- variations in presentation
-manipulative objects-hands on ex.) blocks
-visuals
Example: a computer game for reading can
have different settings for the speed that the
text is read and settings that also ask different
tasks of the students depending on what they
struggle with.

7. Overall…
 As teachers we need to ensure that we are not only paying
attention to the needs of students, but actually take charge by
implementing Universal Design Learning into the classroom because
this style of learning helps ensure that every student is on the same
page and excelling in their daily tasks.
 When everyone can participate and contribute to the class, that is
when we know we are being successful as teachers.