Cover of the report: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Universal design (UD) has its value basis in human rights, non-discrimination and citizenship.

In the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (un.org) the concept is defined as follows:

"By universal design is meant the design of products, environments, programmes and services in such a way that they can be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." (p. 8)

The aim of universal design is to remove or reduce barriers that prevent participation.

Universal design is distinct from accommodations, which students at the University of Oslo can apply for on an individual basis. The ideal of universal design, however, is to make information materials, Canvas spaces, learning resources and other content universally designed from the outset, so that everyone can access the content and thereby participate in teaching on equal terms, without further individual accommodations being necessary.

Universal design explained by The Authority for Universal Design (UUtilsynet)

This introductory film from The Authority for Universal Design can give a first impression of what universal design means in practice. The film is currently only available in norwegian:

Useful links