Universal Design (UD) aims to make learning accessible to all students by providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. UD recognizes there is no "average" student and seeks to address shortcomings in curricula that only serve some learners. By following broad guidelines like presenting information flexibly and allowing varied ways for students to demonstrate knowledge, UD aims to reduce marginalization and labeling while engaging and challenging all students.

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Universal Design
Created by: Kelly Cartwright

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What is Universal Design?
 Universal Design (UD) "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"
according to the Center for
Universal Design
 Purpose is to make sure that
everyone is an expert
learner so that they enjoy
learning and want to
continue to learn

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Average Curriculums
 Many curriculums today are deigned for the “average” student
 There is no “average” student anywhere!
 Universal Design (UD) focuses on students that have been
marginalized, those that don’t work well with the “average”
student design
 Students with disabilities, those that don’t speak English as their first
language
AND
 Students labeled gifted and talented also underserved, as they are
not challenged

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Broad Guidelines
 Principles:
1. Provide Multiple Means of Representation
 How do we present information to the
learner?
2. Provide Multiple Means of Action and
Expression
 How do we ask learners to express what
they know?
3. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement
 How do we motivate and engage students
in learning?
 Meant to address and reduce the
problem that we have a determined,
set curriculum that fits some
students, but not all
Source: UDLCenter. “The UDL Guidelines.” YouTube. Mar 17, 2010. Web. Feb 19, 2013.

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The Payoff
 Fewer students will be labeled “disabled”
 Lessons are planned and designed so that instructors can help
students to overcome barriers
 Teachers are able to constantly reach all students
 Good for EVERYONE! Not one specific type of student
 Instructors will feel they have accomplished something and
made learning exciting
 All students are on the same page, able to communicate and
participate in class together
Source: UDLCenter. “Implementing UDL.” YouTube. Mar 17, 2010. Web. Feb 19, 2013.