Universal Design 101

The Basics

Cody Marie MathisAccessibility CoordinatorSacred Heart Hall, 302Ccmathis1@sienaheights.edu517-264-7683Fax: 517-264-7740http://accessibility.sienaheights.edu/

Agenda:

★ What is Universal Design (UD) and Universal

Design for Learning (UDL)?

★ Universal Design for Learning Basic Steps to take

What is Universal Design (UD)?

★ Equitable Use. The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

★ Flexibility in Use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

★ Simple and Intuitive Use. Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

★ Perceptible Information. The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

★ Tolerance for Error. The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

★ Low Physical Effort. The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

★ Size and Space for Approach and Use. Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

What is Universal Design for

Learning (UDL)?

Universal Design for Learning:

Basic Steps to Take at SHU

Provide multiple means of engagement

Provide multiple means of action and expression

Provide multiple means of representation

The Syllabus

★ Give clear course objectives and learning outcomes – essential components

★ Include your attendance, participation and grading policy

★ Give examples of assignments + rubrics

★ Provide ‘assessment schedule’

★ Choose digital textbooks that provide additional supports – make reading list available early (use the accessible eBook as the preferred ISBN)

Videos, Podcasts, Websites

Graphical Representations (GRs)★ Especially - mind-maps, flowcharts

★ Provide completed GRs - learn by viewing example

★ Collaborative completion of GRs - scaffolding

★ Students construct their own GRs – consolidation

Accessibility of Handouts

Actual Physical Handouts★ font, size, justification, layout

Electronic handouts★ font, size, justification, layout + format

Word / PDF, html★ Make handouts available before class via Canvas or other means (email)★ Outline notes…to provide framework for students’ own notes in-class or use after class

Varied Ways to EngageClasswork: Engagement★ Small group work★ Whole-class discussion★ Hands-on activities

Lectures: Stop…Reflect…Think…★ Opportunities for students to review own notes every 10-15 minutes

Think…Pair…Share★ Discussion of questions, notes, content★ Short assignments – One-minute paper★ Ticket out the door★ Students develop own graphical representations

Varied Ways to EngageOut of Class★ Record / video classes and/or post lecture notes / further reading / resources electronically★ Podcasts – see http://podacre.blogspot.com/★ Encourage Google Docs as means of post class collaboration / support – even facilitate this by

identifying class notetaker(s)*★ Offer to Skype or use Google hangouts for meetings, advising, and to offer feedback★ Encourage study buddy, partner work, study groups, etc. in and outside of class

Options for CompletionDifferent ways to do an assignment:★ Oral presentation★ Video project★ Traditional paper★ Test★ Performance★ Create a game

Activities using different number combos ★ Individual★ Partner★ Small group

Model processes and suggest timescales – especially early on in a class Offer opportunities to refine a submission or allow resubmission following feedback★

Cody Marie MathisAccessibility CoordinatorSacred Heart Hall, 302Ccmathis1@sienaheights.edu517-264-7683Fax: 517-264-7740http://accessibility.sienaheights.edu/

References and Resources

https://projects.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/pubs_p/docs/poster.pdf

http://castprofessionallearning.org/project/udl101-an-introduction-to-universal-design-for-learning/ (can be used as Grad Credits)

https://www.washington.edu/doit/equal-access-universal-design-your-presentation

https://ars.unc.edu/sites/ars.unc.edu/files/UDL%20for%20UNC%20Updated%201%2030%2015.pdf

https://courses.edx.org/courses/course-v1:GTx+ICT100x+1T2016/course/ (must enroll, but free)

http://udloncampus.cast.org/page/udl_examples#.XKytmJhKiUk

https://www.washington.edu/doit/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Universal%20Design%20in%20Higher%20Education_Promising%20Practices_0.pdf (long pdf, but has great information)