When selecting materials, equipment, furniture or a room layout for classrooms, play grounds and education activities, first consider these design principles (Bremer et al, 2002):
 

1. Equitable design is useful and accessible to children with diverse abilities.

Example: Ramps, instead of doors, make entrances with stairs accessible to children with sensory and physical impairments; sand table (vs. sand box) can be reached by children in wheelchairs.
 

2. Flexible design accommodates a wide range of use by children with varying abilities and preferences

Example: Puzzle pieces with pegs are easily grasped; colorful toys that make sounds when moved also are more easily tracked by children with visual and auditory impairments.
 

3. Simple and intuitive design is easy to understand, regardless of a child’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level.

Example: Girls/boys bathroom door, wait , stop symbols and exit signs are easily recognized.
 

4. Perceptible information is easily understood by all children regardless of conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

Example: A sequenced picture schedule reinforces verbal instructions about a child’s daily activities ( Visit Allegheny Early childhood Technical Assistance Center for this file and others)

5. Tolerance for error minimizes hazards and any adverse or accidental consequences.

Example: Unbreakable toys with sturdy parts; laminated pages of a storybook; computer games with an “undo” button.
 

6. Low physical effort requires minimal energy to use materials, furniture, and equipment efficiently and comfortably with little fatigue.

Example: Power assist doors, faucets with levers, touch switch for lights, materials stored at a preschooler’s reach level.
 

7. Size and space is appropriate for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of a child’s size, posture, or mobility.

Example: Physical layout of a classroom has space for assistive devices; all children have a clear line of sight to the teacher and displayed material.

Resources for Universal Design:
Universal Design: A Strategy to Support Students' Access to the General Education Curriculum applies the principles of universal design to education, and links it to universal design for learning.

A parent’s guide to Universal Design and Universal Design of Learning from the National Center for Learning Disabilities.