Universal Design
The term universal design is defined as “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, 2013).
Universal design principles are applied prior to the development of a product or environment and take into consideration the needs and characteristics of a wide range of potential users, including those who have disabilities. A classic example of universal design is the automatic door or doors with push plates. Automatic doors were designed to be used by people who use wheelchairs; however, automatic doors are also used by people who have difficulties walking, people who cannot grab hold of a traditional door handle, and people pushing strollers.
In educational settings, universal design was initially applied to environment and building development. However, the principles of universal design can also be applied to teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum development. Universal design is beneficial to a broad group of students including students with identified disabilities, students with unidentified disabilities, students who are culturally or linguistically diverse, students who are of non-traditional age, students who are low achieving, and students who are high achieving.
For additional resources, please visit the Center for Universal Design's webpage which can be accessed here!
Universal design principles are applied prior to the development of a product or environment and take into consideration the needs and characteristics of a wide range of potential users, including those who have disabilities. A classic example of universal design is the automatic door or doors with push plates. Automatic doors were designed to be used by people who use wheelchairs; however, automatic doors are also used by people who have difficulties walking, people who cannot grab hold of a traditional door handle, and people pushing strollers.
In educational settings, universal design was initially applied to environment and building development. However, the principles of universal design can also be applied to teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum development. Universal design is beneficial to a broad group of students including students with identified disabilities, students with unidentified disabilities, students who are culturally or linguistically diverse, students who are of non-traditional age, students who are low achieving, and students who are high achieving.
For additional resources, please visit the Center for Universal Design's webpage which can be accessed here!