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The principle of universal design originates originated in architecture from the idea that something, such as a curb cut or ramp , that may have been designed to assist a small group of individuals with a specific need, such as wheelchair users, is but are actually beneficial to the broader population such as children on bicycles or parents with strollers. The same is true in online courses. If a student in an online course has special accommodations, the student and instructor will work together with Disability Services to ensure that course materials meet the student’s needs. This may include transcription of audio content or conversion of written materials to MP3. However, just like a ramp is useful to bicyclists, closed captioning helps English language learners and those who prefer to read rather than listen to lecture content.

Below are resources on building Universal Design into your course. For additional assistance contact facline@cpe.umassfacline@umass.edu. If you have a student who requires specific accommodations, please contact Disability Services.

General information

Universal Design Presentations: handouts from presentations on Universal Design and accessibility by UMass staff.
Ten Simple Steps Toward Universal Design of Online Courses: Implementing the principles of universal design in online learning means anticipating the diversity of students that may enroll in your course and planning accordingly. These ten key elements will greatly enhance the accessibility and usability of your course for students with and without disabilities.
10 Tips for Creating Accessible Online Course Content: a webinar presented by Janet Sylvia (Web Accessibility Trainer), and hosted by 3PlayMedia (captioning provider) and the Online Learning Consortium.

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The Center for Universal Design in Education: a collection of resources and articles for IT, student services and instructors.
Universal Design for Learning: A Tutorial for Systems, Environment, Curricular, and Materials Design in Learning Systems.
Examples of UDI in Online and Blended Courses: a table of nine principles of universal design, definitions and examples.
UDL in Higher Education: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education (Course Design, Media & Materials, and Accessibility and Policy).
National Center on Universal Design for Learning: Guidelines and resources for implementing Universal Design.

A case for Accessibility and Universal Design (accessible PowerPoint): an annotated presentation on legal considerations and best practices.

A case for Accessibility and Universal Design (not fully accessible PDF): an annotated presentation on legal considerations and best practices.