Mobile Learning for All: Accessibility Considerations for Mobile Pedagogy

Defining Universal Design

The term Universal Design traces its origin to the field of architecture. Ronald L. Mace, who is credited with coining the term, defined it as the design of all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life (Center for Universal Design, 2010). A good example of universal design is the addition of ramps to buildings in order to allow people in wheelchairs to access them independently. While these ramps were intended for people with disabilities, they can also benefit other groups, such as mothers with children in strollers and delivery staff. The use of closed captions, available on most TV sets when the sound is muted, is yet another example. These captions were originally developed to benefit people with hearing disabilities, but a wide range of users benefit from their availability when viewing the video in an environment where it is not possible to hear the sound (such as in a busy airport terminal or at a restaurant).