This webpage is designed to assist teachers in creating a Universally Designed Syllabus that accommodates all students in the classroom. If you are unfamiliar with the Universal Design concept, go to "About Universal Design and Service Learning" to review relevant links and resources.
It is important that all lessons and instructional materials presented in a classroom are accessible to all. This Universally Designed Syllabus template can help you develop a well-organized syllabus that accommodates every student, including those with special needs. The template offers a variety of suggestions, including tips on how to format a syllabus that is visually appealing and comprehensible to all readers. The template also identifies key information and course content that should be included in every syllabus. Finally, the template suggests points at which the necessary accommodation information can be inserted in the syllabus.
You can refer to the model syllabus as an example of how Universal Design is incorporated into such documents. There is also a “ballooned” model that contains commentary on various aspects of accessibility.
This model provides commentary on the attributes that promote accessibility with the Universal Design framework.
Dr. George Smith is Professor of Speech Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His syllabi represent good examples of what to include in a comprehensive document, especially accommodation language.
Does your syllabus meet accessibility standards? Use the suggestions from the Access Ed Project at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to audit your syllabi, Access Ed, Tools and Resources. The syllabus audit available below is one of many access ed tools. You can be used it to audit your syllabi.
For information on contacting UWP staff involved with this project and/or the creator of the Syllabus template visit the contact page.