Universal Design in Education Workshop hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Universal-Design
The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design recently held a Universal Design in Education Workshop (8th May 2017) providing an overview on how Universal Design is progressed within second and third level education.
The workshop was attended by educators working in third level institutions including, Professor of Education Gary Granville, from the National College of Art and Design who provided a Personal Reflection on Universal Design.
As part of his overview he highlighted the importance of embedding Universal Design in the strategic approach of third level institutions and the importance of mainstreaming Universal Design into the content of courses. He concluded that the education sector in Ireland needs to remove resistance and embrace Universal Design.
The workshop allowed for ample discussion and feedback and some of the key messages from the workshop included:
- The importance of resources, attitudes and participation.
- Universal Design needs to be promoted amongst all staff within the education sector.
- It is critical to change the mindset of students in order for them to embrace Universal Design. One successful method to achieve same is by running events and competitions.
- There are several challenges which can prevent Universal Design from been adopted within third level institutions including: Lack of resources; Implementation of Policies around UD; Getting buy in from senior management; Resistance to changing curriculum; Lack of understanding of the UD approach etc.
For further details on Universal Design and education please click here.
