2. What is Universal Design?
Process that can be applied to any product or environment
Goal is accessibility and easy usability for everyone involved
Characteristics of environment or product meets the needs of
a wide variety
3. Who does Universal Design
involve?
Many believe it only involves students with different disabilities---this is
not true
Universal design can involved anyone and everyone (people of various
ethnicities, language learners, students, workers, teachers, athletes, etc.)
Could include characteristics ranging from different physical, emotional
or psychological needs
4. Process of Universal Design
Identify the application: what product or environment needs
UD implementation?
Define the universe: describe the population, diverse
characteristics, etc.
Involve consumers: involve diverse people involved & gain
different perspectives
Adopt guidelines or standards: create or select existing UD
guidelines & integrate them
5. UD Process (continued)
Apply guidelines or standards: apply guidelines to
environment or product as stated above
Plan for accommodations: develop process to address
accommodation request situations for those who may need it
Train and support: provide ongoing training and support to
all those involved
Evaluate: include UD measures in evaluations, evaluate
users, make modifications needed, etc.
6. Principals of Universal Design
Equitable Use: design is useful to people with diverse abilities
Flexibility in Use: design accommodates a wide range of
abilities, preferences, needs, etc.
Simple and intuitive: design is easy to use and understand regardless of user’s
experience, skills, etc.
Perceptible information: design communicates necessary information effectively to
user
Tolerance for error: design minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of accidental
or unintended actions
Low physical effort: design can be used efficiently, comfortably, etc.
Size and space for approach and use: size and space provided for approach, reach, etc.
is appropriate.
