Universal Design aims to create products and environments that are usable by all people without needing adaptation. When applied to education, Universal Design focuses on accessibility and diversity by designing instruction for a wide range of student abilities through inclusive classrooms, accessible physical environments, multiple teaching methods, accommodations, feedback, flexible resources, and varied assessments. A door example shows how Universal Design benefits all users by creating an automatically opening door versus a standard door that excludes some.

1. Universal Design & Education
a presentation by: Katharine Zaback
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

2. What is Universal Design?
“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”
(www.ncsu.edu/project/design-projects/udi/center-for-universal-design/the-principles-of-universal-design).
How can this apply to education?
Universal Design (UD) is about accessibility and celebrating the
unique differences in people. It is not about accommodating, but
designing for the whole of the student population. Educational design
can follow the ideas of UD by implementing strategies that provide
for students with a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, languages skills,
abilities and disabilities.

3. A More Concrete Example…
This is a standard door. It works
for most people (the average) but
people who are outside of this
standard cannot use it.
QuickTime™ and a
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are needed to see this picture.
For example, people too short to
reach the door, too tall to get
through it, or wheelchair-bound.

4. A More Concrete Example…
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
However, we can apply
Universal Design and
create a door that is usable
by all people.
This door opens
automatically, so everyone
can use it. Therefore,
everyone benefits.

5. QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Where Can We Apply
Universal Design
In The World of Education?

6. 1
3
Classroom Climate
Reflect values that respect diversity
and demonstrate inclusiveness
2
4
Interaction
Encourage interaction amongst
students, and make sure all students
are able to effectively communicate
Physical Environment
Ensure that activities, materials, and
equipment are physically accessible and
effective for all students
Delivery Methods
Use multiple instructional methods
that are accessible to all learners

7. 5 6
7 8
Accommodation
Plan to accommodate students whose
needs are not met by the instructional
design
Feedback
Provide specific feedback
on a regular basis
Resources & Technology
Make sure course materials, notes, and
informational resources are flexible
and engaging for all students
Assessment
Regularly assess students using
multiple methods for different learners

8. Work Cited
1. http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/instruction
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3ardmq0a0
&feature=relmfu
3. www.ncsu
.edu/project/design-projects/udi/center-for-universal-design/the-pri