Frequently asked questions about universal design
Do you have questions about universal design that you can't find answers to in the guides? Send an e-mail to universell@hvl.no
Ally wants me to "tag" the compendium that I got via Bolk, but I don't have the original file. What should I do?
June 2023: This has been brought to the attention of the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, and we are monitoring whether there is a solution. In the meantime, teachers can ignore alerts from Ally about files coming from Bolk.
Do I have to ensure universal design of the learning material even if, as far as I know, I do not have anyone with a disability in my courses?
Yes. Academia should be accessible to everyone. Universal design is not the same as facilitation, where individual needs are met via an application. Universal design takes care of and meets common needs without the student having to ask for anything to be adapted. With universal design, the student is being met by resources that are already designed in an inclusive way.
A common misconception is that universal design is only for visible disabilities and needs. This is not the case. Some needs and conditions are hidden, some don't know about their needs yet, and some conditions arise suddenly. Which is why it's smart to create material with accessibility as a starting point.
We have prepared useful guides on universal design to make it easier for you as an instructor to follow the requirements. The team for universal design is available if you need assistance or have questions about the theme. We also offer courses and workshops.
I want to use an app or website for my teaching. What do I have to do to meet universal design requirements?
Remember to be critical of apps and websites so that no students are excluded. Check our guides to get an impression of what makes a tool universally designed. Contact the universal design team if you have questions about external tools or need help making your information accessible and inclusive.