Universal Design for Learning

While there are many accommodations that can help support students with disabilities, the most effective approach to removing barriers is to build accessibility into your coursework proactively.

Universal design promotes an equitable, flexible, fully accessible learning environment designed to meet the needs of diverse learners using multiple means of engagement, expression and representation.

Your course can be designed to help ensure that the learning of all students is maximized, including those with different learning styles and disabilities.

A student’s need for accommodations may be minimized through the use of universal design of instruction. Universal design promotes an equitable, flexible, fully accessible learning environment designed to meet the needs of diverse learners using multiple means of engagement, expression and representation.

Universal Design Suggestions

  • Use Panopto (lecture capture), which helps reduce the need for notetakers.
  • Use captioned videos, films and other audio presentations.
  • Offer flexibility regarding attendance.
  • Provide texts in alternative formats.
  • Give verbal descriptions of visual aids and graphics.
  • Paraphrase questions and answers.
  • Highlight key points throughout discussions.
  • Use multiple teaching methods, including lecture, discussion, hands-on activities, web-based work and fieldwork.
  • Provide multiple methods for students to demonstrate knowledge, such as demonstrations, presentations and portfolios.

 

If you have questions regarding how best to accommodate a student with a disability or how to implement universal design suggestions, contact the Disability Center.

Implement Digital Accessibility

As our daily lives become digital, it’s more important than ever to ensure that information is accessible to everyone.

 

In your role as an instructor, design your digital products (e.g., electronic documents, websites, mobile apps, email or videos) so they are usable by all — through color scheme choice, transcripts and/or captions, adding alternative text, and more.

Learn More

Additional Resources