Dusting off the Tool Box: Tips for Trainers

Section 1: Handout 7

Universal Design

Section 1 Handouts
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What Is It?

• The design of products and environments to be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Why Do It?

• Varying ability is not a special condition of the few but a common characteristic of being human as we change physically and intellectually throughout our lives.
• If a design works well for people with disabilities, it works better for everyone.
• To reach all learners regardless of learning style or ability, materials, equipment, and space must accommodate all learners.

Why Pay Attention To It?
• Under Title III of the ADA, places of public accommodations are required to ensure that people whose disabilities affect hearing, vision, speech, or cognition are provided with effective communication through auxiliary aids and services that enable them to fully benefit from facilities, services, goods, and programs. (Conferences and classes that are open to the public fall within this category).

Resources:
• ADA Information Center: www.ada-infonet.org

Adaptive Environments Center, Inc.
374 Congress Street
Suite 301
Boston, MA 02210.
617/695-0085 (V/TTY)
617/482-8099 (Fax)
adaptive@adaptenv.org
www.adaptenv.org

Section 1 Handouts
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |