Overview
Universal Design is the core component of the University for All initiative in UCD. Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size or disability.
Using the framework and principles of Universal Design we can create an inclusive educational environment to benefit all students. On this page we've gathered a number of resources and training opportunities which you and your team can avail of to guide inclusion in your day to day work in UCD, whether you have a teaching, support, technical, policy or any other role.
Why not complete the short Introduction to Universal Design in UCD training now and explore how Universal Design impacts all of our work in the University? All UCD staff are automatically enrolled and can access this by logging into Brightspace. Universal Design training is a key component for achieving the EDI Ambassador Badge. Take your Universal Design experience to the next level, you can complete the Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching & Learning or Beyond the Classroom.
Universal Design in UCD
In UCD, we use the (opens in a new window)Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework developed by CAST. It's a framework to improve and optimise educational experiences based on what we know about the human brain and learner diversity and variability. Universal Design principles shift the focus away from individual accommodations to address ’deficits’ and move instead towards removing barriers that limit student success. It builds on the idea that there is no ‘average’ student. We all learn differently, have different life experiences and differing physical and cognitive strengths. Therefore a variety of approaches with choice and flexibility built in are required in order to meet the needs of all students on their educational journey.
UDL gives us a lens to examine and reflect on our own practice and provides us with guidance on how to maximise the impact of our own knowledge, experience and creativity to reduce barriers to access for students and empower them to become expert learners. You can explore this more by completing the Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching & Learning or Beyond the Classroom. Looking for inspiration? UCD Faculty have implemented UDL in innovative and creative ways across a variety of disciplines. UCD Professional Staff have shifted thinking on UDL beyond the classroom in a variety of contexts. Read our publications, further resources and more case studies in our publications section.
Unlocking Inclusion Universal Design Toolkit
The Unlocking Inclusion Universal Design Toolkit allows faculty, staff and students to capture what they are doing well, identify areas for improvement and develop action plans to improve inclusive universally designed practices whether at college, school, unit or programme level. The Toolkit facilitates dialogue and collaboration which is crucial for achieving a University for All. We offer this as a guide to show how universities and colleges can progress the mainstreaming of inclusion and participation for all students. Using a range of key Enablers and Pillars, the Toolkit provides a far-reaching exploration of the institutional, administrative, academic, and practical factors that will contribute to a more equitable higher education experience for all.
This Toolkit is designed as a practical self-assessment tool, intended for use by university and college leaders, faculty members, and professional, administrative, and support staff. It is hoped that it will be a clear guide to how Universal Design for Learning can transform your institution. Using examples of good practice from both national and international institutions, it brings together Universal Design expertise from around the world. It provides a framework for organisations and institutions to implement the (opens in a new window)ALTITUDE Charter: the national charter for Universal Design in Tertiary Education.
The Toolkit contains multiple check points against which you scan score your institution or unit. We use this Toolkit in our University for All workshops where faculty and professional staff from programme areas and units work together using the Toolkit to assess the current state of access and inclusion in the programme area, School, College or unit; gather examples of good practice; and identify priority areas for action. Widening Participation Representatives then use this information to plan and develop projects based on these results.
If you are outside UCD and wish to use this toolkit in your own institution please email (opens in a new window)Universityforall@ucd.ie and we'll provide you with the details you need to make this happen in your institution.