| Abstract |
This paper contributes to the growing research on incorporating universal design in academic programmes. The universal design philosophy and motivations are introduced. This paper describes an approach to implement this, based on the experience of including universal design as a module in a first year programme in the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown. The need to 'make real' and 'make connections' with universal design thinking within the module was considered highly important. The approach chosen was to have input from universal design experts discussing and presenting the key issues. This generated the opportunity to capture these valuable contributions, resulting in a repository of universal design resources. An outline of selected student assessment projects is presented where student creativity and discovery abound. The development of the awareness of universal design thinking is extremely important, at individual student level, and the associated ripple effect on awareness and design. |
