What is it?

Universal Design (UD) is a concept introduced by architects and designers; they had a goal of creating buildings and products that would be able to be used by all individuals. End users would include people of all ages and life circumstances, with and without disabilities, from all socioeconomic groups. The most recognizable of the Universal Design innovations is probably the familiar dropped curb, which allows persons with wheelchairs, strollers, and other wheeled vehicles as well as those using crutches or walkers to move onto and off of a sidewalk more easily.

Similarly, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is meant to make learning materials and activities accessible for all possible learners.

Universal Design for Learning is guided by three main principles:

Provide multiple means of representation
Provide multiple means of action and expression
Provide multiple means of engagement

The following video provides a quick introduction to Universal Design for Learning.

Why Universal Design for Learning?

Estimates indicate that two million U.S. college students have a disability. In addition, the popularity of Mobile devices among learners is impacting content delivery. Mobile learning provides access for many learners who otherwise lack a strong internet connection.

Sauk Valley Community College seeks to support all students in equal access to learning as outlined in The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended and additional laws and regulations. Students must be provided with accessible materials whether the course is taught on campus, through the learning management software or other technologies.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Two other terms with which you should become familiar are accessibility and accommodation. Accommodations are provided to qualifying individuals; accessibility refers to making course materials available to all students, regardless of how they access information. All documents, multimedia, pages, activities, etc. in a course must be accessible to every student. If you are having trouble distinguishing accessibility from accommodation, the Disabilities Update 2020 should clear the confusion.