Universal Design in Education

Universal design in education (UDE) is a framework in which the design and delivery of instructional programming is made accessible for the widest range of students regardless of personal characteristics. UDE (the term is being used generically to refer to all UDE applications) emphasizes that both the design of the course and the pedagogy, that is, the teaching methods employed, are as barrier free as possible. UDE stresses that diversity is considered a typical aspect of the human condition; therefore, it is a necessary aspect of instructional planning and implementation. This does not mean potential barriers will cease to exist, simply that the use of accommodation and modification can be significantly reduced if UDE is employed. This entry describes the origins of universal design (UD) ...