UNIVERSAL DESIGN: ENHANCING EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS

The concept of Universal Design has its origins in the field of architecture, but is now being applied in educational arenas where has been defined as “the preparation of curriculum, materials and environments so that they may be used appropriately and with ease, by a wide variety of people” (Bowe, 2000). Many educators are finding that when they take into consideration the diversity of the students in their class and approach their curriculum with that in mind all students benefit. When a student with a disability enrolls in a course that is designed with these concepts in mind, it is much easier to make the necessary changes to accommodate the student’s disability. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, the Disability Support Services office staff at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is working with the Department of Earth Sciences faculty to assist them in implementing these principles in their academic department. The best practices that have arisen during this process will be shared in this session. Presenters will also introduce participants to the principles of Universal Design, provide steps for implementing the principles in your own setting, and suggest strategies to improve the learning environment for all students while reducing the need for accommodations for students who have disabilities.