Universal Design, quite simply, is the design of our environment to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptations or specialized design. The intent of Universal Design is to simplify life for everyone by proactively designing our physical environment to be “barrier free” thus more accessible to as many people as possible at little or no extra cost.

Universal Design for learning (UDL) is a set of principles that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.  UDL goes beyond the design of the environment and technology and expands the full learning experience. We know from experience and science that individuals learn in varied ways—ways that are particular to them. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) helps educators plan for variability with flexible, responsive teaching methods and technologies.

Resources

Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Video: Learn how UDL can help diverse learners in higher education settings CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) 

DO-IT: The Center for Universal Design in Education- Helping educators apply universal design to all aspects of education
 

Equal access for students with disabilities is integrated into the educational environment through innovative learning tools and emerging technology.

The Office of Accessibility Resources staff and the Instructional Design Librarian, Jocelyn Ireland, are available to confer with faculty/staff directly regarding those students with more complex disability needs, or use specialized assistive technology.  We will be happy to work with faculty/staff to make whatever arrangements are necessary to understand there are design elements you may choose that could create new and at times insurmountable barriers to access.