ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a short overview and updated information on aspects of Universal Design (UD) for educators and school practitioners in colleges and universities. Universal design principles drawn from architecture influenced the development of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and continue to influence online and distance learning instructions today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the majority of educational programs had to transition to an online environment quickly, the issue of digital accessibility became more noticeable and accommodation for learners and teachers with disabilities became critical for maintaining equitable education. Special educators and practitioners working with diverse populations should be aware of the limiting nature of technical and management solutions, and critically assess the concept of universality through the prism of equity and the ability of users to influence decision-making in creating universal design environments for learning and participation.
