Universal Design, Creating Equal Access to Learning

Students in on-site, online, and hybrid courses across the nation are becoming increasingly diverse with respect to race; ethnicity; gender; age; computer knowledge; ability to communicate in English, pay attention, engage socially, hear, see, and move; and other characteristics. Dr. Burgstahler will share the universal design approach for addressing the needs of individuals with a broad range of characteristics participating in courses, accessing student services, using technology, and maneuvering in physical spaces, all for the primary purpose of maximizing the academic and career success of all students.

Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler founded and directs the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center and the Access Technology Center (ATC). These two centers promote (1) the use of mainstream and assistive technology and other interventions to support the success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education and careers and (2) the development of facilities, computer labs, academic and administrative software, websites, multimedia, and distance learning programs that are welcoming and accessible to individuals with disabilities.