Universal Design

 TechTeacher 

November, 12th 2022 

Universal Design 

By: Brisa Willis 

Universal Design 

Universal Design Standards 

    Before discussing what Universal Design Standards are, we must first understand what is meant by Universal Design. Universal design ensures that all individuals, regardless of disability, can obtain the appropriate information. Universal design also ensures according to Burgstahler (2009), that schools and companies are creating products that are usable and accessible to all. Universal design is a concept used not only in education but also in other realms as well. To ensure that Universal Design is being implemented correctly, there are a set of standards that are put in place. The following Universal Design standards are as followed according to Burgstahler (2009)…

    - Equitable use: The design must be attainable by all individuals with all levels of abilities. 

    - Flexibility in use: The learner must be able to have options that support them best in acquiring information. 

    - Simple and intuitive: Individuals should be able to understand the use of the design with ease. 

    - Perceptible information: Any information being presented, should be easily understood by individuals regardless of the users' abilities in sensory. 

    - Tolerance for error: Allows individuals to undo errors that are made. 

    - Low physical effort: The design does not cause users to be fatigued. 

    - Size and space for approach and use: The design is a space that can be accessible by anyone regardless of size. 

Role Universal Design Play in Mediated Communication for Learning:

    Mediated communication is communication through technology such as computers. Mediated communication has allowed us to communicate with individuals from all over the world and has made learning more accessible to individuals everywhere. The role that Universal Design plays in mediated communication is crucial. If it weren't for Universal Design, then medicated communication would not be accessible to everyone. According to Ralabate (2011)  Universal Design for Learning (UDL), has allowed for information to be presented in multiple ways to support all types of learners and, it has offered learners to showcase their knowledge in different ways.  Ensuring that each component of the Universal Design is met and incorporated ensures that all individuals regardless of their abilities can acquire information, and it also ensures that all learners can participate and be engaged with their learning. In this day and age where technology is continuing to play a bigger role in everyone's lives, Universal Design Standards must be met, and those who are designing must continuously check that their product incorporates the appropriate standards. 

The Penalty of Failing to Adhere to Universal Design Standards

        When the Universal Design Standards are not met some consequences come with that, especially in education. When learners are not able to acquire information because the platform does not incorporate the Universal Design Standards, then as a result there is a chance that learners will fall behind, and a gap in their learning will develop. Consequently, if learners are not able to obtain information that is properly accommodated then they can begin to develop frustration because they are struggling with obtaining the information being presented to them. From a designer's perspective, the penalty for not adhering to Universal Design Standards is unhappy customers and a decline in sales. If customers are not able to use your product then there is nothing stopping them from looking elsewhere. It's important to note that the Universal Design Standards are not just taken into consideration for learning but also in everyday living. For instance, when architects design something they too have to ensure that all individuals regardless of abilities and size can move with ease. Without considering the Universal Design standard individuals with disabilities will find it challenging to complete simple tasks such as opening doors. 

Examples of Universal Design

    While we may not think about it, Universal Design is everywhere around us. For example, if you have ever been to an airport you know that some airports have moving sidewalks. While fun to use, those moving sidewalks are made for that, rather they are put in place to support individuals who have difficulties with mobility (The Principles of Universal Design, n.d.). Another example of Universal Design being used is Microsoft. Microsoft offers multiple features that allow users of all abilities to obtain information and showcase their knowledge. Microsoft offers features such as (but not limited to) sticky keys, filter keys, and numeric keypads to support individuals with mobility challenges (Microsoft, n.d.). Microsoft also offers features such as the ability to use color filters, adjust the contrast of the colors, and magnifiers to support individuals with vision challenges (Microsoft, n.d.). Whether it's a vision, hearing, neurodiversity, learning, or mobility challenge, Microsoft has ensured all needs are met. Furthermore, Pear Deck which is a popular platform integrated into classrooms includes features such as, (but not limited to) the ability to translate text to the preferred language of the learner and immersive reader. Immersive reader allows users to change the speed at which the words are being read to them, the size of the text, background color, font, and space in between each word (Beihl, 2020). Having features such as those integrated into platforms such as Microsoft and Pear Deck create inclusiveness. 

References: 

Beihl, K. (2020, July 28). Building Inclusive Classrooms with  + Immersive Reader. Pear Deck. https://www.peardeck.com/pear-deck-blog/2020/1/9/building-inclusive-classrooms-with-pear-deck-immersive-reader

Microsoft. (n.d.). Accessibility tools for vision - Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/accessibility-tools-for-vision-b3c57606-e0af-46d2-97b4-fa6b5fba4fa1

Ralabate, P. K. (2011). Universal Design for Learning: Meeting the Needs of All Students. The ASHA Leader, 16(10), 14–17. https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.ftr2.16102011.14

Sheryl Burgstahler. (2009). Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications. DO-IT.

The Principles of Universal Design. (n.d.). https://media.lanecc.edu/users/howardc/PTA103/103UniDesign2/103UniDesign29.html

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