Universal Design In Education

What is Universal Design?

Universal Design is the design of any product that is made usable by all people.

In Education, the “product” is the curriculum used in the classroom, as well as the way the information is being presented to the class.

Universal Design Guidelines for

Learning The Universal Design Guidelines for learning ensure that learning occurs within the Universally Designed classroom.

Guideline #1: Provide Multiple Means of Representation

Ensure that all students are able to understand the presentation of information.

Provide built in options for language, symbols, and comprehension.

Guideline #2: Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Provide options for students in the way they learn best. (Hands on, Computer based, etc.)

Guideline #3: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Encourage self learning and independence.

How is Universal Design Implemented?

In order to implement Universal Design in the classroom, one must look at several deciding factors. These include:

Application or the environment of the classroom

Characteristics of the typical student in the classroom (age, gender, learning style, how they are motivated, etc.)

Selection and use of Universal Design standards and guidelines that best suit the climate of the classroom.

Needed accommodations for especially gifted students and/or struggling students.

Benefits of Universal Design in the Classroom Learning through Universal

Design is for everyone!

Universal Design allows each student to be on the same page at the end of the lesson.

Due to the many options that Universal Design encourages in the lesson, students are able to learn in the way the best suits their learning style.

Sources • Implementing UDL . UDL Center , 2010. Web. 23 Sep 2013.

• The UDL Guidelines . UDL Center , 2010. Web. 23 Sep 2013.

• "Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications." washington.edu. DO-It. Web. 23 Sep 2013.

• "Universal Design of Instruction (UDI): Definition, Principles, Guidelines, and Examples." washington.edu. DO-It. Web. 23 Sep 2013.

• The New York City Department of Education, . Universal Desgn for Learning . 2013. Photograph. schools.nyc.gov, New York City. Web. 24 Sep 2013. <http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/CommonCoreLibrary/ProfessionalLearning/UDL/default.htm>.

• Clipart from classroomclipart.com