Welcome to the Universal Design Center

Inclusion by Design

About the Universal Design Center (UDC)

The Universal Design Center (UDC) at MC College is dedicated to supporting the entire College community by providing support to provide accessible information, communication technology, and inclusive physical environments. The UDC’s focus on universal design, universal design for learning, and accessibility is one part to ensure that all members of the College community are able to access and use the resources and tools provided.

The UDC’s networked approach is designed to establish and reinforce policies and processes that minimize risk and promote inclusion, social justice, and cultural competence. Through coordination of a comprehensive system of supports, the UDC offers professional development, job-embedded coaching, action research, and web-based resources and tools to support the College’s vision and mission.

By providing accessible and inclusive environments, the UDC at MC College is committed to removing barriers and promoting equality for all members of the College community.

UDC Vision

To create a movement across MC that promotes inclusion through intentional design.

UDC Call to Action

Learn about the origins of MC’s UDC and conceptual model.

UDC Governance

Learn about the people involved in making the UCD a reality at MC.

MC’s UDC guiding principle is that all operational aspects of the College can implement universal design in decision making and intentionally design instruction, programs, and services that remove barriers to being a fully-participating member of our community.

Universal Design (UD) Basics

The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Universal Design (UD) have some of the same underlying principles; however, they are not the same thing. ADA regulations are codes enforced by federal law whereas UD is a concept which proposes ways in which we all can create spaces, learning environments, and products for anyone within the MC community.

Design for Everyone

Universal Design (UD) is the design of buildings, products, or environments that make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors.

Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guides the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of all learners.

Design for Tech and Accessibility

Universal Design for Digital Technology (UDDT) is the design of systems and software that enables all users, including those with disabilities, greater access to digital technology.

Look at the opportunity of design to empower everyone.

~ Dan Formosa

UDC Services

The UDC is a technical assistance approach that supports the awareness and change need at MC to apply UD principals intentionally in everything that we do. Through a technical assistance approach, the UDC is a form of professional help, guidance or support to be more effective in the performance of our college-wide functions. It is an active process with steps to follow; makes use of tools, via process consultation, requires specific skills and focuses on achieving set goals.