Universal Design for Instruction

Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) is an approach to teaching that consists of the proactive design and use of inclusive instructional strategies that benefit a broad range of learners including students with disabilities. The nine Principles of UDI © (Download PDF version) provide a framework for college faculty to use when designing or revising instruction to be responsive to diverse student learners and to minimize the need for "special" accommodations and retrofitted changes to the learning environment. UDI operates on the premise that the planning and delivery of instruction as well as the evaluation of learning can incorporate inclusive attributes that embrace diversity in learners without compromising academic standards.

Principle	Definition
Principle 1 : Equitable use	Instruction is designed to be useful to and accessible by people with diverse abilities. Provide the same means of use for all students; identical whenever possible, equivalent when not.
Principle 2 : Flexibility in use	Instruction is designed to accommodate a wide range of individual abilities. Provide choice in methods of use.
Principle 3 : Simple and intuitive	Instruction is designed in a straightforward and predictable manner, regardless of the student's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Eliminate unnecessary complexity.
Principle 4 : Perceptible information	Instruction is designed so that necessary information is communicated effectively to the student, regardless of ambient conditions or the student's sensory abilities.
Principle 5 : Tolerance for error	Instruction anticipates variation in individual student learning pace and prerequisite skills.
Principle 6 : Low physical effort	Instruction is designed to minimize nonessential physical effort in order to allow maximum attention to learning. Note: This principle does not apply when physical effort is integral to essential requirements of a course.
Principle 7 : Size and space for approach and use	Instruction is designed with consideration for appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulations, and use regardless of a student's body size, posture, mobility, and communication needs
Principle 8 : A community of learners	The instructional environment promotes interaction and communication among students and between students and faculty.
Principle 9 : Instructional climate	Instruction is designed to be welcoming and inclusive. High expectations are espoused for all students. (Scott, Shaw & McGuire, 2003)