Universal Design

By Natalie Huffman

Universal DesignEvery student learns differently. Whether it be due to a

disability, language barrier, or other characteristic. According to the Center of 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.”

Objectives of Universal Design

“The goal of Universal Design is to maximize the learning of students with a wide range of characteristics by applying UD principles to all aspects of instruction

(Burgstahler).”

Principles of Universal Design

1) “Provide Multiple Means of Representation”-How the information is presented to the student

2) “Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression”-How to ask the students what they know

3) “Provide Multiple Means of Engagement”-How to motivate and engage students in learning

Example of Universal Design

A teacher creates a lesson plan based on how plants grow. Instead of simply reading the process from a book, the teacher utilizes universal design in her plan. She provides multiple videos to show her class how plants grow. She also brings in seeds, water, a pot, and soil.

The class has the opportunity of growing plants on their own while also watching the videos to learn about the process.

The teacher meets the needs of every student in her classroom even if they have a disability or language barrier.

What does this mean for the classroom?

Rather than teaching a lesson to the class in one way, a teacher will adapt her lesson to meet the needs of the entire classroom in

way that every student will be able to learn and understand the objective of the lesson.

Videos about Universal Design

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaSZqgr2eUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY6PhtCLrTg

www.hdwallpapers.in www.pchydro.comwww.udlcenter.orgwww.edudemic.comhttp://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/instruction.htmlhttp://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Programs/ud.htmldepositphotos.com digitalsherpa.comhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfsx3DGpv5o&feature=relmfu

Sources