Universal design aims to create products and environments that can be used by all people without needing adaptation. It has seven principles including equitable use, flexibility, and low physical effort. An example of universal design in education is the ULTimate Reader, an electronic textbook that adds visuals or spoken voice to help students develop independence. While teachers see benefits, universal design is difficult to fully integrate into classrooms but developing technology skills and a flexible curriculum can help. Examples of universal design applications include auditory output, wide spaces, and intuitive controls.

1. Universal Design
Brooke Grinstead

2. Definition
 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 (Center for Universal
Design)
 In education, using UD helps children who are not
seen as the “average” student and those with a wide
variety of characteristics and reduces disabilities in
the classroom

3. UD Principles
 The design has an equitable use
 It is flexible and helps with many different abilities
 It is easy to understand and is appropriate for the user’s
skill level
 Communicates effectively no matter what their sensory
abilities are
 Decreases hazards and accidents
 Low physical effort
 The size and space should work for a person no matter
their height, body size, or mobility

4. UD Technology in Classroom
 ULTimate Reader is an electronic textbook that help
students who need reading support
 Adds visuals or spoken voice
 Helps students to eventually develop more independence and
motivation
 Teachers and students have positive feedback about UD
approach but it is very hard to integrate in classroom
 Tips for teachers
 Developed technology skills
 Flexible curriculum
 Supervise students on computers

5. Examples of UD
 There are many examples of how UD in education is applied to
products (computers, textbooks, lap equipment) or
environments (classrooms, libraries, buildings)
 Auditory output for visual displays
 Wide doors and hallways
 Bright and appropriate lighting
 Clear and intuitive control buttons
 Automatic doors
 Allow children to read or listen
 Workspace to accommodate those who are left or right handed