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Universal design was developed in the 80s by architect Ron Mace to increase the usability of built environments so that regardless of regardless of their ability, disability, age, or experience, an individual could use the space. Universal Design is now everywhere we look, both within and outside of the buildings we work in, live in and socialize in. Things like curb cuts and levered door handles are the hallmarks of universal design and have changed the way we interact with our environment. They are elements intended to make the space more accessible for those individuals with disabilities yet they are also widely utilized by those without disabilities to make navigating through our built environment easier and more efficient.

The virtual learning environment is also a built environment that would benefits from the principles of universal design. The principles include: · Equitable Use · Flexibility in Use · Simple & Intuitive Use · Perceptible Information · Tolerance for Error · Low Physical Effort · Size & Space for Approach & Use

These principles, when applied to online learning environments, allow students to use the environment adequately with maximum efficiency. Universally designed environments offer benefits to all; those with disabilities who require basic accessibility and those without disabilities who will benefit from the enhancements to the design. After all, how many people who are not in wheelchairs have you seen utilizing a curb cut in the sidewalk at the airport? The curb cut is for wheelchair accessibility, yet we all benefit from this environmental enhancement. In our virtual learning environments, including elements of universal design, such as captioned video clips included in an online course despite a low incidence of students with hearing impairments, offers greater usability to all the students who view the video not just the hearing impaired students. There are circumstances where non-disabled students will appreciate the captions, such as a student viewing the video at 11:00 pm while her family sleeps.

This workshop will provide participants with a general overview of the seven principles of universal design as well as examples of effective implementation. The audience will leave the session with several handouts related to the use of universal design that they may take with them and use in their daily practice. The workshop will also be collaborative and active. Participants will be engaged in small group work throughout the workshop, developing strategies and tips for applying many popular Web 2.0 tools in a universally designed way within their own online course activities. Using tools such as twitter, diigo, voice thread, and others, as an example, participants will discuss the pedagogical purpose of employing the tool and how it could aid or hinder the usability and/or accessibility of the course for all students.