UDL - Principle of Representation Guideline 1 - Perception

(This is the first in a series on Universal Design for Learning)

Universal Design for Learning

Principle of Representation - Guideline 1 - Perception

The first principle of Universal Design for Learning, ‘provide multiple means of representation”, help promote an inclusive learning environments on many levels.  When developing a course and focusing on this principle, there are three guidelines to follow.  They are:

1. Perception:
2. Language and Symbols
3. Comprehension.

We are now going to take a deeper look.

 

The first guideline, Perception, in many ways overlaps with creating accessible content.  When creating content, be sure that interaction is flexible and does not solely depend on one sense for its delivery.  As you develop the material be sure that you can meet the following criteria state that you should offer:

1. The option to customize the display of information.
2. Alternatives to auditory information.
3. Alternatives to visual content. (I picture can state a thousand words, but not if you cannot see it)

Meeting these criteria will reduce barriers to learning. Key information will be equally perceptible to all learners by:

• providing the same information through different modalities, and
• providing information in a format that will allow for adjustability by the user

Multiple representations not only ensure that information is accessible to learners with disabilities, but also easier to access for other learners from varying backgrounds.