Universal Design and Special Education

I. What is Universal Design-Universal design means that the design accommodates those without disabilities also. Accommodates for young or old, and male and female.
II. Misconceptions
A. Common Misconceptions of Universal Design
1. Wheelchair ramp
2. Automated doors
3. Separate facilities for those with disibilities
4. Elevator for wheelchairs
5. Wheelchair accessible bathrooms
B. Who Universal Design accommodates
1. Those with or without disabilities
2. Young or old
3. Male or female
C. Examples of universal design
1. To come in the next Blog
III. Future of Universal Design-
A. In Homes 1. Stewardship Remodeling of Seattle, Washington is focused on universal and green designed homes
1. Idea is to combine both concepts to help prepare for the future
2. Universally designed homes combined with green homes will sell for more money and help the real estate
3. Goal is to build homes that are seamless and provide homes that don’t look generic. Stewardship Remodeling wants to bring out the appeal in Universal Design
4. Company makes an effort to stay away from commonly heard Universal Design terms
a. “Curb-less shower” rather than a “roll-in shower”
b. “step-less grade changes” rather than ramps
A. In Schools
ii. CAST- Center for Applied Special Technology
iii. Founded in 1984 they create universal design for learning products and policies for all students and teachers
iv. CAST is doing continual research to create new products for schools
v. Examples of products by CAST
1. UDL Editions- classic texts that are put online with individualized support for struggling learners
a. http://www.cast.org/movies/udleditions.html video demonstrating the capabilities of the product and showing examples of some common UDL tools
2. CAST UDL Curriculum Self-Check– free online tool to help teachers use UDL techniques to reach all students
a. http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/ the website – briefly show the capabilities of
the product.