Universal Instructional Design versus Universal Design for Learning

What is it?

Universal Instructional Design (UID) is a very similar to UDL in that it is a set of principles aimed at creating more inclusive and accessible learning environments. UID is based on seven principles.

The Seven Principles of UID describe how instructional materials and activities should:

  • be accessible and fair,
  • be flexible,
  • be straightforward and consistent and
  • be explicit,

and how the learning environment should:

  • be supportive,
  • minimize unnecessary physical effort, and
  • accommodate students and multiple teaching methods.

UID resources:

University of Guelph website on UID

Universal Design at University of Washington

Universal Design of Instruction, Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D., University of Washington

Facultyware: Tools for Universal Design of Instruction at the University of Connecticut