Teaching by Design

ERIN JARRY, PhD

Universal Design UD is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.

http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design

Universal Design

UD started in the 1950s as an architectural and design response to a growing awareness of how disability affects daily life.• Worldwide

• Accounts for cultural and economic parameters

• Planning before a need eliminates many future problems

By definition, it is not retro-fitting for accessibility

It is not a synonym for compliance with accessible design standards

UD is a way of thinkingInstitute for human centered design

http://www.humancentereddesign.org/universal-design/history-universal-design

Let’s go on a field trip!

Here we are

Carry or push or ride

…or maybe a different kind of cart

Caroline’s Cart

Help

Hungry?

Bathroom facilities

What do these have in common?

Where we will find it?

Check out

Time to go

What did you notice about…

Physical environment

visual

sound

Information about disability is one part of a person

Information only matters when there is a need to be met

Connect the field trip to teaching

• What made shopping easier?

• How did Target Stores address customer need?

• Why did they do these things?

Universal Design for Learning

UDL is the application of Universal Design to curricula so all have access to the same knowledge, skills, activities and experiences

It requires significant planning that pays off in big ways later

The approach itself costs nothing– it is an attitude and belief

“Retro-fitting” can happen to make curricula accessible, but it is not UDL

Learning by design• The best learning is connected to real-life

experiences

• Multiple things are part of everyone’s lives

• Experience gives the best opportunity for actual information and skill acquisition

• UDL provides this from the very start

Things to Consider

• Language barriers (communication = expressive & receptive)

• Sensory access (sight, sound, tactile, verbal, etc)

• Motor abilities/disabilities (access)

• Focus on student strengths (visual, auditory, hands-on,

etc)

Elements of Universal Design• Multiple mean of representation

= how information is presented/taught

• Multiple means of expression= how students demonstrate knowledge

• Multiple means of engagement= enhances desire to learn

Teaching by designIncludes supplementary aids and supports through:

• Assessment and task modification = extra time, oral presentation, note taker…but not changing content

• Education and assistive tech = use of computer, calculator, communication device

• Teacher, EA, and/or peer support = peer buddy, additional adult support

Teaching by design• Universal design = design of building, environments, products (for all)

• Classroom ecology = modifications/arrangements of features of classroom

• Access = modifications to community, campus bldg., classroom

Teaching by design• Teachers design learning experiences

• Useful and interesting learning is the result of intentional design

• Know your students’ interests, strengths and abilities

• Take time to plan – it is worth it!

Questions?

Thank you!Erin Jarry, PhD

Dual License Program

Department of Special Education

College of Education

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico

USA

ejarry@unm.edu