Universal design for learning

To be honest, I have lumped Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning, and Inclusive Design together in past professional learning that I have presented. They are similar, in that they all attempt to create learning environments that are accessible to all.

I think some of the confusion comes from their histories, and evolution over time. From my understanding, Universal design started out in architecture and Inclusive Design was brought about from the digital age.

I’ve even come across articles that point to differences in methods of design. Oregon State University describes that Universal Design for Learning starts from the outset of course creation - like architecture - thinking through the UDL Guidelines. Whereas, Inclusive design encapsulates UDL and adds an iterative layer - going back to Brad’s statement, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” After users’ have experienced the course, their feedback is incorporated in the evaluation phase for the next iteration - is this Inclusive Design?

Oregon State had a graphic depicting a hierarchy, with Universal Design for Learning wrapped by Inclusive Design. I have also seen it flipped. So are they the same? Like I said at the start I have lumped them together in the past, but I am genuinely curious.

An inclusive design process will always include UDL and accessibility as end goals.

[Oregon State University] An inclusive design process will always include UDL and accessibility as end goals.

I’ve watched many presentations by Laura Kalbog, who emphasizes accessibility, use universal design to step to inclusive design. Laura typically speaks at Web Developer's conferences, and recently released a short video, Accessibility in 2020, which addresses all three and then adds privacy and equity issues to the list. Maybe Laura is advocating for higher standards in the profession, see Disruptive Designs.

Could it be that the definitions alter depending on the profession or part of the world you live in? Is it the keyword inclusion that blurs the lines?

I think the "how we UDL" would be a valuable addition to the Learning Design and Technology course selection, as well as, the "why we UDL".

Update: Has anyone heard of Ethical Design, is this a thing?

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