Universal Design / Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design: The design of products, services, architecture and urban planning that take into consideration people to the greatest extent. To design products and environments to be usable by as many people as possible without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Most products are designed for the average user considering cost, safety concerns, environmental issues and aesthetics. Often times this does not take into account the many users with disabilities. By using the principles of Universal Design when creating something you will often make the product or environment more efficient for everyone. A great example of this is a Curb Cut. The original thought might have been to address a disability like making the sidewalk available for people in wheelchairs. But in the end it addresses other disabilities like children on bikes or skateboards, small children, people with strollers, luggage carts, canes or crutches,

Universal Design for Learning:
We know that not every child learns the same way. Kids with learning disabilities might have a difficult time learning in a traditional classroom using traditional learning materials. UDL helps create a classroom environment that respects and values diversity. It assures that classrooms are accessible to individuals with a wide range of physical abilities and disabilities. It accommodates both left and right-handed students. Altering of delivery methods to include lecture, discussion, hands-on activities, Internet based activities, captioned videotapes and multi-media presentations.