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.