Universal Design & Universal Design for Learning

An example of universal design. Pictured here is an image of a set of stairs with a ramp integrated. On each side of the ramp, which zig-zags three times, stairs are placed allowing individuals to traverse the stairs in whichever way they require.

The term "universal design" was coined by the architect Ronald Mace to describe the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.

Selwyn Goldsmith, author of Designing for the Disabled (1963), pioneered the concept of free access for people with disabilities. His most significant achievement was the creation of the dropped curb – now a standard feature of the built environment.

Universal design for Learning (UDL) is a method used to create environments and materials that meet the needs of people of different physical and mental abilities. According to Brittney Newcomer (MS, LSSP), "universal" refers to being flexible to meet the needs of ALL learners.

The goal of UDL is to use a variety of teaching means, methods, and materials to remove any barriers to learning, giving all students, regardless of backgrounds, identities, and needs, equal opportunities to succeed. It’s about preparing the learning environment so that teachers have what they need to flexibly meet the strengths and needs of a wide range of students. This includes individuals of different socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, languages, etc. Therefore, this form of teaching will help effectively support any and every student in the classroom.

Researchers believe that UDL:

  • Increases learning and engagement

  • Offers flexibility in the ways students access and engage with classroom materials and show what they know

  • Builds our understanding of learner variability and its implications for teaching and learning

  • Helps us identify and remove barriers to learning hidden within traditional pedagogies and practices

  • Guides deliberate coherent innovation in inclusive design

So please feel free to think outside the box! There's no "right" way to UDL, so talk with ADS, colleagues, and students to uncover new ways of supporting student learning.