LibGuides: Language Teaching Pedagogy: Universal Design

Universal Design

Universal design refers to a framework for conceiving of curriculum and course-level content in a way that accounts for and accommodates as much as possible diverse modes of learning and expression. By respecting the guiding principles of this framework, instructors increase the accessibility of their courses and the success of all students. The three main maxims of this design framework are as follows:

Offer multiple means of representation so that provide various ways of acquiring and understanding the information presented
Allow for multiple means of expression that give learners options for demonstrating what they know
Design multiple means of engagement in order to meet learners where they are in terms of their interests and motivate them

Universal Desing in Education
This webpage from Dartmouth University provides more information about Universal Design, including advice for applying the principles of Universal Design to assessments and lessons.

Amy Sugar's Practical Application of UDL Worksheet
This worksheet offers multiple checklists instructors can work through in order to ascertain to what extent their course adheres to Universal Design. The worksheet also includes links to a multitude of online resources regarding various aspects of Universal Design.

Practical Applications of UDL Worksheet © 2022 by Amy Sugar is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Accommodations

Given that the function of universal design is to accommodate as many learning styles as possible, it is appropriate to mention that educators should likewise create frameworks for incorporating university-supported accommodations in their class and curriculum. While provided and crafted according to individual needs, accommodations typically imply a number of changes that educators can anticipate, such as providing more time for examinations, arranging for a quiet space for examinations, flexibility with due dates, providing a copy of class notes or finding a note-taker for students with accommodations, etc. Language educators should familiarize themselves with the range of accommodations that their university offers in order to think through the ways in which they can apply these accommodations. For instance, is there a structure in place for offering access to class materials? Below, users will find links to the UT Disability and Access office’s webpage explaining accommodations and services and to a webpage explaining some best practices for implementing accommodations. There is also a link to UT's website for Testing & Evaluation Services.

Accommodations and Services at UT Austin
This webpage explains the types of accommodations that are typically offered at UT Austin, along with guidance about how to implement these accommodations.
Working with Stuents with Disabilities
D&A works with staff and instructors to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to the information. materials and experiences in class. Below is information about working with students who are registered with D&A as well as guidance for how to help students get registered.
UT Testing and Evaluation Services
Testing & Evaluation Services (TES) provides a broad range of professional and academic testing and evaluation services to members of the university community, residents of the state of Texas and beyond. TES has four offices on the main campus of The University of Texas at Austin. Each offers a distinct portfolio of services.

Books on Universal Design

Universal Design in Higher Education by Sheryl Burgstahler (Editor); Rebecca C. Cory (Editor)
ISBN: 9781891792908
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Universal Design in Higher Education looks at the design of physical and technological environments at institutions of higher education; at issues pertaining to curriculum and instruction; and at the full array of student services. Universal Design in Higher Education is a comprehensive guide for researchers and practitioners on creating fully accessible college and university programs. It is founded upon, and contributes to, theories of universal design in education that have been gaining increasingly wide attention in recent years. As greater numbers of students with disabilities attend postsecondary educational institutions, administrators have expressed increased interest in making their programs accessible to all students. This book provides both theoretical and practical guidance for schools as they work to turn this admirable goal into a reality. It addresses a comprehensive range of topics on universal design for higher education institutions, thus making a crucial contribution to the growing body of literature on special education and universal design. This book will be of unique value to university and college administrators, and to special education researchers, practitioners, and activists.