Universal Design

By Patrick Walsh

What is Universal Design?

Universal Design for learning is a way of going against the learning curriculum that is in place for the average student. It can be described as a curriculum that is designed for all learners not just the average student.

The Goal of Universal Design

The purpose of Universal Design is to help ensure that every student in the classroom is able to have a meaningful education. It is a framework that is aimed at not only helping the average student but also helping those with special needs as well as those who are considered to be gifted students.

The Guidelines of Universal Design for Learning

There are 3 Guidelines for Universal Design:

1. Provide Multiple Means of Representation

2. Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

3. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

The goal of these guidelines is to create a learning environment that is beneficial to all students in the classroom. By doing this we will be able to eliminate or at least minimalize the number of students that are labeled with “special needs.”

Overview of Universal Design

Universal Design is aimed at eliminating the “average student” and creating a classroom for all students

The 3 guidelines of Universal Design are focused on using more activities and concrete examples to help students further understand the material

Universal Design is a process of Cognitive Learning that will allow us to expand the way our students learn. The benefits that come from a well implemented Universal Design curriculum are priceless