Disability Support Services

In an effort to create a supportive campus, we encourage professors to employ principles of Universal Design (UD). The eight performance indicators listed below provide general guidance regarding UD principles.

1. Class climate. Adopt practices that reflect high values with respect to supportiveness.
2. Interaction. Encourage regular and effective interactions between students and the instructor and ensure that communication methods are accessible to all participants.
3. Physical environments and products. Ensure that facilities, activities, materials, and equipment are physically accessible to and usable by all students and that all potential student characteristics are addressed in safety considerations. 
4. Delivery method. Use multiple, accessible instructional practices that are accessible to all learners.
5. Information resources and technology. Ensure that course materials, notes, and other information resources are engaging, flexible, and accessible for all students.
6. Feedback. Provide specific feedback regularly.
7. Assessment. Regularly assess student progress using multiple accessible methods and tools, and adjust instruction accordingly.
8. Accommodation. Plan for accommodations for students whose needs are not met by the instructional design.

Burgstahler, S. (2007).Equal access: Universal design of instruction. Seattle: University of Washington.

The brochure is available in e-book through the TAMU-SA Library: Equal Access: University Design of Instruction

For further assistance in applying these concepts, visit Universal Design of Instruction (UDI): Definition, Principles, Guidelines, and Examples:

Section 504.gov University Design: What is it?