Universal Design for Instruction in Postsecondary Education: A Systematic Review of Empirically Based Articles

Overview & Synopsis

Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) in postsecondary education is a relatively new concept/framework that has generated significant support. The purpose of this literature review was to examine existing empirical research, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, on the use of UDI (and related terms) in postsecondary education. The criteria used to select articles included in this review were: (a) empirical studies in peer-reviewed journals, (b) articles published in 2000 or after, and (c) articles on the use of UDI, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Universal Instructional Design (UID), and Universal Design (UD) in postsecondary education settings. Eight articles met the search criteria. This limited number of empirically based articles led to the conclusion that more research needs to be conducted on the use of UDI in postsecondary education. The primary recommendation for future research is to operationalize the principles of UDI and investigate its impact on the outcomes of postsecondary education students with and without disabilities. (Contains 2 tables.)