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Accessibility: Universal Design

A Guide from the Accessibility Advocate

Universal Design Definition

“Universal design for learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that works to accommodate the needs and abilities of all learners and eliminates unnecessary hurdles in the learning process (Cornell).”

Multiple Means of Representation

What this means:

Develop a flexible learning environment in which information is presented in multiple ways.
According to the VARK Model, there are four different types of learners: Visual, Auditory, Reading / Writing Learners, and Kinesthetic. Because people learn in different ways, it is important to provide varying methods of teaching in your course.

Ways to implement:

Utilize BCCC’s instructional technology tools in your course to add interactive discussions and videos to traditional teaching methods of lecture and course readings.
When appropriate, include a lab or hands on activity.

Multiple Means of Expression

What this means:

Create a learning environment in which students can express their comprehension in multiple ways.

Ways to implement:

Provide a variety of options for students to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assess group and cooperative performance, as well as individual achievement.
Consider using a variety of assessment types- (ex. Group projects, essays, presentations).
For traditional tests vary input using multiple choice, short answer, and essay.
If available, try giving students choice of assessment methods.

Multiple Means of Engagement

What this means:

Provide multiple ways for students to engage with the professor, fellow students, and the material.

Ways to implement:

Tap into learners’ interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.
Offer students opportunities for engagement through discussion, prompt professor responses and group work.
Make students aware of assistive tools available at BCCC. Canvas and Microsoft Word offer the Immersive Reader to assist students who are auditory and ESL learners.

UDL Resources

Assistive Tools

Immersive Reader in Canvas and Microsoft applications reads text aloud. Learn more about the Immersive Reader with this video tutorial: Immersive Reader in Canvas: Immersive Reader in Canvas
The Accessibility Office at Bucks has compiled a list of mostly free Assistive Software Technology Resources that students can access on the web.

Instructional Technology

Instructional Technology available at BCCC:

A screen recording, presentation, demonstration, and lecture-capture tool

Interactive content and delivery tool