One of the many examples of universal design in engineering is the development of automatic doors. Automatic doors are designed to open and close automatically when a person approaches or exits the door. This design is beneficial for everyone, including those with disabilities, as it removes barriers to entry and exit for all individuals. Back in Thailand, glass or wooden doors are more common than automatic doors. This causes an accessibility issue for individuals who can have a difficulty time getting in and out of places, whether it be a hospital or a local shop.
This design concept can be used as inspiration for learning design by emphasizing the importance of creating accessible learning environments. Universal design principles can be applied to the design of educational materials and instructional strategies to ensure that they are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities.
For example, learning materials can be designed to be accessible to learners with visual impairments by providing audio descriptions of images and visual aids. Text can be formatted in a way that is easy to read for learners with dyslexia or other reading difficulties. Instructional strategies can be designed to provide multiple ways for learners to engage with the material, such as using hands-on activities, videos, or discussions.
By incorporating universal design principles into learning design, educators can create learning environments that are inclusive and accessible to all learners, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This can improve the learning experience for all students and promote a more equitable and inclusive education system.
Hi Shaafi! Thank you for sharing examples of inclusive design strategies for learners with visual impairments. I wonder, what other specific principles/checkpoints as per CAST do you think your students can benefit from? Please try to incorporate some ideas from this week’s readings/videos into your blog posts.
Your post highlights the importance of applying universal design principles in education to ensure that all learners can access and engage with the material. Creating accessible learning environments is crucial for promoting equity and inclusion in the classroom. By providing multiple ways for students to engage with the material, educators can address the diverse needs of their learners and foster a more collaborative and supportive learning environment. Your insights on how universal design principles can be applied to learning materials and instructional strategies are well thought out and can be a valuable resource for educators seeking to promote accessibility in their classrooms. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important topic!