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About Universal Design

What is Universal Design (UD)

Universal design is an approach to design that seeks to create products and environments that are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or disability. In the context of higher education, universal design can help to ensure that faculty, staff, and students with disabilities are able to fully participate in and benefit from the educational experience.

One way that higher education institutions can incorporate universal design is by providing accessible technology and assistive devices. This can include things like screen readers, speech-to-text software, and alternative keyboards and mice that allow individuals with physical impairments to access and use computers and other digital devices.

Another important aspect of universal design in higher education is the physical environment. This includes ensuring that buildings and classrooms are accessible, with features such as ramps, elevators, and wide doorways that make it possible for individuals with mobility impairments to move around the campus.

In addition to the physical environment, universal design can also be applied to instructional materials and teaching methods. This can include providing materials in multiple formats (such as electronic, audio, and braille), using clear and concise language, and providing ample time for students to process information and ask questions.

Universal design also involves involving individuals with disabilities in the design process, to ensure that their needs and perspectives are taken into account. This can be done through focus groups, surveys, and other methods of gathering feedback from students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.

Overall, universal design is an important approach to creating a more inclusive and accessible higher education environment. By considering the needs of individuals with disabilities at every stage of the design process, institutions can ensure that all members of the campus community are able to fully participate in and benefit from the educational experience.

Latest UDC Universal Design Articles

Upcoming Workshops

Using Technology to Teach with Empathy  Date: 9/14/2023  Time: 1 - 2 pm    …

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Fall 2023 Dates to Remember

MC's Move the Needle Challenge   Date: All Month (September 2023) Harness the power of…

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Blackboard Ally

Start the Semester with Accessibility in Mind 

Ensuring an accessible learning environment should be a priority as we start a new semester.…

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MC Rockville Campus Sign

Elevating Inclusivity: Universal Design at Montgomery College

In the diverse landscape of MC, approximately 20% of our student population grapple with a…

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Yuja

YuJa at Montgomery College

YuJa, a video management platform, has been implemented at Montgomery College to support faculty and…

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Spring 2023 Events and Workshops

Inclusion by Design Summit - May 5, 2023 Save the Date! This virtual conference will…

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Join A Book Circle With The M.C. Universal Design Center Text Next To Stacked Books

Universal Design for Learning Book Circle – Fall 2022

Join us to unpack what Universal Design for Learning (UDL) looks like in action through…

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Inclusion by Design Summit – April 2022

3:15-3:45 p.m.: Speed Session 1 Choose one of the breakout rooms in the Zoom session.

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