Institutional Supports
using
Principles of Universal Instructional Design (UID)

Courses designed and delivered according to "Universal Instructional Design" principles are more accessible and effective for all people -- regardless of possible disability, learning style preference, or personal background.

Instructional materials and activities should KEY CONCERNS RELATED
TO INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTS
be accessible and fair.
  • What are your institution's policies about access to physical and intellectual resources?
  • What is required by your province or state?
be straightforward and consistent.
  • Do you know the learning objectives for courses pre-requisite to yours?
  • Do you know what the expectations are for your students in the following semester, so that you can prepare them?
provide flexibility in use, participation and presentation.
  • Is there assistance on-campus for developing a course website, converting document formats and optimizing your use of learning technologies?
be explicitly presented and readily perceived.
  • Does your college or department have a well-articulatated policy for remedial work as well as grievances?
  • Do students know that UID-based changes are being made?
provide a supportive learning environment.
  • Are there learning strategists who can help students develop better study habits?
minimize unnecessary physical effort or requirements.
  • Have you asked direct service providers to disabled students to give you tips on facilitating the movements of students throughout your classroom?
ensure a learning space that accommodates both students and instructional methods.
  • Is there a process by which you can request a room that suits your planned activities?
  • Do you find out your room assignments far enough in advance to adjust your curriculum if necessary?

Top 10 Tips

  1. Consider these principles in terms of physical space and the overall student experience.

  2. Imagine yourself being unable to see, hear, move or otherwise keep pace with others. In this case, what would YOU wish your TAs and instructors would do?

  3. Make yourself available in a variety of ways, for example face-to-face and through email.

  4. Expand your techniques. For example, if you now like to answer questions through words then consider ways to add sketches on the black(white)board to explain concepts.

  5. Ask students for ideas.

  6. Discuss UID and your role with other instructors.

  7. Tell the students what you are trying to do. Mention it explicitly, especially at the first class session.

  8. Ask other instructors what they are doing.

  9. Attend Professional Development conferences and workshops.

  10. Never stop your own learning.


For further information please see the websites linked from http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/uid/uidresources.html

© University of Guelph • Last Rev: December, 2003
Funded by the Learning Opportunities Task Force, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Government of Ontario 2002-03.