Universal Design

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Universal design is not only equitable, but these essential mechanisms demonstrate a concurrent set of positive, progressive and reactive realities reinforcing what our world has to offer.

The core values that universal design contribute to are a wide range of opportunities, supporting an array of individuals through a lens of flexibility. One of universal designs greatest qualities under an engineering outlook is that this system reimagines spaces and becomes a multifaceted tool for a wide range of individuals.

For example, the sliding doors we see today are mechanical devices that can be located across the globe. This device has become one of many universal designs that has helped more than a select few. Those who have impairments or disabilities surrounding sight and mobility may have been at one time the central focus on this design, however this mechanism now supports anyone and everyone. Universal design’s like this are not just a mechanism, rather it is an approach of reimagining a fixed reality into a solution. Having the ability to actively influence and demand alternative ways, impacting individuals perceptions of the globe and others around them.

Mechanisms like the mechanical sliding doors are great examples of what learning and theory can do for us today. This example of universal design not only demonstrates the qualities of critical thinking, but it also endorses individuals to move towards more inclusive ways of thinking and being. Universal design implements a level of equity into learning that is extremely important as it builds qualities of  representation, action, expression, engagement, empathy, and creativity. Looking through a historical lens we can see how ideas surrounding gender, race, and sexuality have continued to change. As we prepare each student and learner into a world that has endless possibilities at their fingertips through technology, it is vitally important to demonstrate the significance in shaping them to be inclusive, kind and critical individuals.  Furthermore, universal design when applied in the classroom, wether this be demonstrated through learning American Sign Language (ASL), using technology to translate languages or support neuro-divergent students, needs through adapted school projects and lessons, each and every individual will benefit from these practices as it shapes them into critical consumers who understand and can adapt to real world scenarios.

Bibliography

_{Automatic Sliding Door.” IndiaMART. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://m.indiamart.com/proddetail/automatic-sliding-door-9706062148.html.} 

^{Schwartz, Sarah. “White Characters Still Dominate Kids’ Books and School Texts, Report Finds.” Education Week. Education Week, December 1, 2021. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/white-characters-still-dominate-kids-books-and-school-texts-report-finds/2021/12.}

^{“10 Things to Know about Ud.” Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://universaldesign.ie/what-is-universal-design/the-10-things-to-know-about-ud/.} 

^{Uskov, Vladimir L, Robert J Howlett, and Lakhmi C Jain. “Making Your Classroom Smart: Universal Design for Learning and Technology.” In Smart Education and E-Learning 2019, 144:501–510. Singapore: Springer Singapore Pte. Limited, 2019.}