2012 NASPA Annual Conference s Phoenix, Arizona s March 10–14, 2012

Universal Design in Policy Development: A Paradigm Shift

March 12, 2012 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Melanie Thompson, Ed.S., Director, Center for Access-Ability Resources,Northern Illinois University

Kimberly Tanner, Ed.D., Director, Access Office, Valdosta State University

Welcome & Learning Objectives

• Identify 7 principles of UD• Define the importance of inclusive design in

higher education for student learning & development

• Describe potential role of UD framework with policy development

• Delineate strengths & challenges of applying a UD framework to policy development

What is Universal Design?

“The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design”

Center for Universal Design (2010)

• Universal Design:– Is a goal– Is a proactive process that can be implemented in

incremental steps– Is accessible, usable, and inclusive– Does not lower quality or standards

Burgstahler and Cory (2008)

Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable use2. Flexibility in use3. Simple and intuitive use4. Perceptible information5. Tolerance for error6. Low physical effort7. Size and space for approach and use

When factored in on the front end (as design is occurring) it reduces need for retroactive fixes, or accommodations, which cost more money.

Examples of UD in Action

Equitable use: Electronic materials readable by screen reader

Flexibility in use: Adjustable tables in computer labs

Simple and intuitive: Clickers have text, symbols, Braille on buttons; results vocalized

Perceptible information: Videos include captions

Examples of UD in Action (cont.)

Tolerance for error: Instructional software provides guidance when student makes mistake

Low physical effort: Students can enter program spaces independently

Size and space for approach and use: Room for wheelchairs, personal care assistants, interpreters to navigate without having to ask for help

Adapted from University of Washington, Do IT Center

http://www.washington.edu/doit/

Applications of UD

• Physical Spaces• Learning & Instruction• Technology• Services• Policy Development

Applying UD to Policy Development

• Identify the service• Define the universe• Involve “consumers”• Adopt guidelines/standards• Apply guidelines/standards• Plan for accommodations• Train & support• Evaluate

Burgstahler & Cory (2008)

Example

• Application to revised Student Code of Conduct…

Strengths & Challenges

Strengths• Provides a framework• Intuitive and inclusive

process• Proactive concepts

Challenges• May not have time to

thoroughly attend to each step

• Politics or conflicting agendas

• Limits on ability to “test” or pilot a policy prior to implementation

Thank you.Questions?Contact us:Melanie Thompson Kimberly Tannermthompson3@niu.edu katanner@valdosta.edu815-753-1303 229-245-2498

References

Burgstahler, S. & Cory, R. (Eds.). (2008). Universal design in higher education: From principles to practice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.

Center for Universal Design (2010). (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.ncsu.edu/project/design-projects/udi/

Do IT Center at the University of Washington.(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/doit/