+Universal Design

Growing in Popularity and Implementation into Schools

By: Taylor Tomlinson

+What is Universal Design? According to the Center for 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”

When Universal Design (UD) is applied, a product is “usable to the greatest extent possible by people of all ages and abilities” (Story, Mueller, & Mace, 1998)

+How is UD Implemented in Schools?

Universal design puts high value on both diversity and inclusiveness.

Unlike an accommodation for a specific person with a disability, the practice of UDE benefits all students.

UD applications in educational settings seen in: physical spaces, information technology (IT), instruction, and student services.

Individuals with and without disabilities

can use the same entrances, travel routes,and spaces!

+UD in Schools

UD is seen in 4 MAJOR AREAS in Education:

Physical Spaces, Information Technology, Instruction, and Student Services

UD of PHYSICAL SPACES- “UD classroom furniture is adjustable in height and can be easily arranged for different learning activities and groupings. A universally designed facility includes clear directional signs in large, high-contrast print.”

UD of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY- “Products that are usable by a broad audience in terms of: output and displays, input and controls, manipulations, documentation, and safety.”

+UD in Schools Continued

UD of INSTRUCTION- wide range of abilities, learning styles, and preferences incorporated through:

-Multiple means of representation, to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge;

-Multiple means of action and expression, to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know; and

-Multiple means of action and engagement, to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.

+UD in Schools Continued

UD of STUDENT SERVICES: Services are accessible to, and usable by all students.

These services include:

-computer labs, libraries, admissions, registration, financial aid, advising, career services, housing, tutoring and learning centers, and student organizations

Example: Miami University’s Rinella Learning Center

“Programs and Services are organized to help students

with varied academic preparation ad backgrounds learn what is necessary to

perform at acceptable levels inside and outside the

classroom.”

+Works Cited

"Miami University: Rinella Learning Center Services." Rinella Learning Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.

"Universal Design in Education: Principles and Applications." Universal Design in Education: Principles

and Applications. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.