Universal Design: Strategies and Examples to Assist Educators in the Classroom

Abstract

"College can be challenging for all students, and the challenges for students with visible and invisible disabilities are even greater. According to Taylor & Colvin in About Campus, the number of students with disabilities attending institutions of higher education has increased by 20% from 2003 to 2009 (2013).àà
Technology can be used to transform course materials from inaccessible to accessible. Universal design (UD) was coined by architect Ronald Mace to design products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible (Vance, 2014). Universal instructional design (UID), a term used on college campuses, will potentially make it easier for students and faculty with different learning styles, students with disabilities, and international students to access course material and participate more fully in the classroom (Adams, 2013).à
The unspoken way an institution of higher education communicates with any underserved population is by offering a welcoming environment. Teaching and learning opportunities through universal design is an exciting new avenue through which more students will be able to participate and be successful as they pursue a agree in higher education.à
References

Adams, M. (Eds.). (2013) Readings for diversity and social justice (3rd ed.). New York,à
NY: Routledge, 98.
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Taylor, C.M. & Colvin K.L. (2013). Universal design: A tool to help college students withàà
Asperger's syndrome engage on campus. About Campus, 18(3), 9-15.à
doi:10.1002/abc.21118

Vance, L.V. (Eds.). (2014). Beyond the Americans with disabilities act. Washington, DC:à
37-8.