The concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been around for a long time. UDL is not a special type of teaching method for certain groups. The principles are applicable to teaching and learning across schools, universities and workplace training. A group in Ireland has devised a university-for-all toolkit to show how to do it.
The Toolkit is designed for university leaders, faculty members, and professional and administrative staff. By moving the focus away from deficits, universal design shifts the focus to proactive inclusive design.
The aim of the guide is to show how Universal Design for Learning can transform institutions into inclusive learning places. Using examples of good practice from both national and international institutions, it brings together universal design expertise from around the world.
The Toolkit includes self assessment activities and case studies. It covers institutional foundations such as leadership, approaches to access and inclusion and strategic planning. The four pillars of universal design for learning in higher education are explained in detail. Briefly they are:
- Learning, teaching and assessment, curriculum review.
- Student supports, services and social engagement, library services
- Physical campus and built environment, challenges and solutions
- Digital environment, websites, social media platforms
The title of the publication is, Unlocking Inclusion: Toolkit for Universal Design in Higher Education.
Additional information about the online training program and how to make the training and the toolkit suited for other nations.
The 2 minute video below provides an overview of the purpose of the Toolkit.