Universal Design for Learning

Universal design (UD) takes into account the broad range of abilities and disabilities, learning preferences, races and ethnicities, native languages, cultures, and other characteristics a potential user of a product or environment may have. Terminology for similar proactive approaches to curriculum and instructional design have been adopted by UD advocates worldwide. They include Universal Design for Learning, Universal Design of Instruction, Universal Design for Instruction, Universally Designed Teaching, and Universal Instructional Design. These approaches are in contrast to a common practice where instructors create courses with the average student in mind, and when a student with disability-related needs enrolls, they work with a disability services specialist to make reasonable accommodations for that student. Employing UD strategies holds potential for more effectively teaching diverse learners and ...