SERVING ALL STUDENTS Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators October 5, Universal Design in Teaching and Its Impact on Higher Education Jan Lockhart, Director, Med, MPA Joyce Whiteside, Instructor, MAT Center for Students with Disabilities

Overview 2 Universal Design The law Universal Design Principles and Strategies Impact

Universal Strategies 3 The design of products and environments to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible. (Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D. University of Washington) Affects not only the physical environment, but also affects instruction and service delivery. Means designing centers, instruction, and services for people with a broad range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics, such as height and learning style, that support their educational goals

Universal Design 4 Reduce Barriers/Enhance Learning Opportunities Examples of Barriers Disabilities: mental, emotional, physical, sensory English language barriers Behavioral problems Lack of interest or engagement Lack of study strategies and self-awareness Physical size: short, tall, obese, thin Age related physical problems Economic status Gender (

Brain Needs 5 Recognition network: gather facts through our five senses, identify and categorize them : the “what” of learning Strategic network: plan and carry out plans: the “how” of learning Affective network: Engagement and motivation (

UD and Customizing Teaching for individual Differences 6 Multiple means of representation: various ways of acquiring information and knowledge Multiple means of action and expression: alternatives for demonstrating what they know Multiple means of engagement: tapping into students’ interests and motivating them (

Universal Design and Adaptive Technology 7 UDAdaptive Technology No Adaptation

Laws Supporting Universal Design (UD) 8 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADA AA) of 2009

Universal Strategies: the Answer for Teaching and Serving Everyone and Neglecting No One 9 Universal strategies are strategies that provide students with a variety of options for learning, using, and internalizing what they are learning in class and within the college environment. Universal Design for Instruction by Sally S. Scott, Joan McGuire, Stan Shaw, and Teresa Foley, University of Connecticut from the basic principles of Universal Design developed by North Carolina State University.

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 10 Equitable use: Usable by people with diverse abilities Examples: Instructional: and internet Student Services: Using online materials for departmental services, such as, forms.

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 11 Flexibility: Individual preferences and abilities are accommodated. Examples: Instructional: Choice of projects or assignments, or testing formats Student Services: Allowing students to do forms online or on paper.

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 12 Simple and Intuitive: Clear and predictable processes in learning and using services. Examples: Instructional: Chapter outlines, grading rubric Student Services: Ongoing captioned video clips, handouts (Braille available), mp3 files on computer kiosk

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 13 Perceptible: Variety of clear communication methods Example: Instructional and Student Services: Captioned videos Instructional: clickers Student Services: Running loops on a TV with key information

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 14 Tolerance for Error: Assume student differences in learning pace and skills. Examples: Instructional: Allow revising after feedback; value learning from mistakes. Student Services: Train staff to show students how to complete forms and be patient with their mistakes and questions.

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 15 Low physical effort: Minimize effort to maximize attention. Examples: Instructional: Interactive notes; adjustable tables Example: Student Services: forms, fliers, etc. readily available in multiple format, such as, foreign language, Braille, large print, and in neutral colors; adjustable tables and counters

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 16 Community of Learners: environment promotes interaction and communication among students, instructors, tutors, and departments. Examples: Instructional: Calling student by name, discussion groups, chat groups Student Services: Welcoming environment

Characteristics of Universal Strategies 17 Welcoming and inclusive approach that sets high expectations for all. Example: Instructional: Tell them the first day they all can succeed, contact a student who is falling behind and offer help. Student Services: Have a welcome center inclusive of all the services incoming students need

Example of a Universal Strategy for Instruction: Faculty and Tutors 18 Using Color To Show the Parts of a Paragraph The topic sentence and conclusion are one color to show they need to work together. The main points are in a second color. The details are in a third color. There will be more of this color making it easier to explain what fully developed means.

Approaches Consistent with Universal Strategies 19 Education is the responsibility of the whole college/university team. Form partnerships: faculty, tutors, various students services, disability services, committee on accessibility, media, institutional technology, faculty development Examples: Brailing, scheduling sign language interpreters, making mp3 files, video clips, and other multi-modal materials,

Approaches Consistent with Universal Strategies 20 Use Accelerated Learning techniques in teaching and tutoring. Example: Positive Affirmations Incorporate learning strategies and tips in conjunction with what you are teaching or tutoring. Example: SQ3R for Reading a chapter

Impact 21 Increase success for students Increase job satisfaction for faculty/staff More cohesiveness among departments in creating an atmosphere physically, mentally, and affectively where students can feel a part of the college/university setting and succeed Cost effective in the long run

Thank You 22