Photo: Briolight interactive sandbox switched off.
The development of inclusive classes in mainstream schools has made universal design an important principle for educational environments. Universal design seeks to remove barriers at the planning stage so products, spaces and services are accessible to as many people as possible. Architect Ronald Mace helped develop and popularise this concept.
In inclusive education, the approach means providing convenient access to school buildings, safe movement and navigation, and accessible information about services. The original article refers to Ukraine's building standard DBN V.2.2-40:2018, “Inclusiveness of Buildings and Structures”. Current requirements should be checked before construction projects.
Universal design also applies to furniture, educational materials, curricula and assessment methods.
Examples of universal design in schools:
- teaching materials and methods for learners with different abilities;
- accessible and safe buildings with ramps, suitable entrances and circulation routes;
- equipment with Ukrainian menus, clear icons and understandable controls;
- sufficient contrast between walls and floors;
- appropriate use of lighting, colours, sounds and textures;
- software offering feedback after incorrect answers;
- doors and handles usable by children with different mobility needs;
- accessible toilet facilities with grab rails and sufficient room;
- enough learning space for pupils and teaching assistants;
- flexible furniture and equipment supporting varied teaching approaches;
- adjustable environmental conditions such as lighting.
Briolight develops equipment with psychologists, special education professionals, designers and programmers. Its hardware and software incorporate accessibility considerations, including Ukrainian voice feedback on the interactive floor. Children hear encouraging words after correct responses and invitations to try again after mistakes.
Where universal design cannot be implemented fully in existing buildings or teaching programmes, adaptation and modification offer additional ways to support inclusive education.
