Topics

About universal design

Applying Universal design

Responsibilities of training providers

Meeting learners' needs

Designing for print

Designing for web

Quizzes

How can learning materials be designed so that more people can use them, and most people can use them more easily?

This resource aims to help vocational training providers address this question, meet their legal obligations, and gain an understanding of the principles of universal design.

The concept of Universal Design is about:

• offering something that more people can use more easily

• designing so that alternatives are easily created

• avoiding unnecessary delays and expenses

The benefits for training providers!  You can:

• design resources that better meet your learners' needs. 

• be more selective about the resources that you buy.

• be more prepared for learners with specific requirements.

• better meet the standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework.

• design resources that have greater commercial advantage.

• better communicate with your staff and colleagues.

• better meet your legal obligations to provide non-discriminatory access to your services.

• create a more accessible learning environment.

The benefits for learners!

• Learners can gain more from their learning resources, making them more independent in the learning process.

• Learners with specific requirements can have their needs met more quickly.

• Learners have a more positive learning experience, enhancing skill development.

Who can benefit from resources that are designed based on the principles of universal design? Learners who:

• have different learning styles

• live a long way from the training provider

• live in remote communities

• have problems with complex English language

• require flexibility in learning

• have a print disability

What does Universal Design of learning resources mean in practice?

Plain English can benefit many different learners including those who:

• are new to a subject area (by carefully introducing jargon and technical terms)

• have a learning difficulty

• have English as a second language

• have a hearing impairment or who are Deaf

• are indigenous Australians

• are busy!

Clear, careful document layout will attract your readers and especially benefit:

• learners with a vision impairment

• learners with a learning difficulty

• learners who are scanning information quickly to find exactly what they need

Materials in a choice of formats, including print and text in an electronic file, can benefit learners who:

• have a vision impairment and use a computer to access documents

• have a learning difficulty and use a computer to supplement their learning

• live in remote locations and can access email more quickly than the post

• want to listen to reading material while they are doing other tasks

Good accessible web design, and online learning resources, opens your training to a world of learners, including:

• people with a disability

• people who are busy and want clearly structured navigation

• people who have difficulties with complex English language

Considering access to learning in a way that involves the learner and acknowledges their individual needs benefits:

• learners with a disability

• learners who require flexibility in training delivery

When staff know about options for resources in accessible formats, this benefits:

• learners with a disability who have specific requirements

When trainers can use a range of delivery techniques and modes, this benefits:

• learners with a range of learning styles

• learners who are indigenous Australians

• learners from a range of cultural backgrounds

• learners with a disability

• learners who are women

• learners who are mature aged

• learners who are in rural and remote areas

Non-discriminatory language can demonstrate the respect of and commitment to learners who:

• women

• have a disability

• are from a variety of cultural backgrounds

Related information

Vocational education and training resources for people with a disability http://www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/partners/resources/people_specific_needs/index.htm

Disability Resource Kit

Available on CD from the Centre for Training Materials - for more information go to:

http://shop.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/cgi-bin/catalogue

The kit includes comprehensive information on issues impacting on learners with a disability in vocational training.