Universal Design in Practice

Universal Design in Practice: Understanding Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion

A 90-Minute Deep Dive + Q&A & Networking

$200 per attendee | For Teachers, HR, DEI, Accessibility, and ERG Leaders

About the Session

Creating true accessibility requires more than awareness- it requires fluency.
This 90-minute session takes you beyond compliance checklists and into the practical application of Universal Design across digital and physical environments.

Grounded in the IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), this session explores the nine major categories of disability through real-world examples, adaptive strategies, and assistive technologies. You’ll learn how to identify barriers, design more inclusive systems, and apply proven frameworks that support employees with permanent, temporary, and episodic disabilities.

Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of accessibility, a library of curated tools and resources for every disability type, and practical steps to bring Universal Design principles into policy, space, and culture.

What You’ll Learn

• By the end of the session, you’ll be able to:

• Identify and describe the nine main categories of disability, from sensory and cognitive to psychological and complex.

• Recognize common accessibility barriers and how they show up in workplaces, technology, and communication.

• Understand the differences between assistive technologies, adaptive strategies, and accessibility solutions and when to apply each.

• Explore examples of Universal Design that remove friction for everyone, not just those who request accommodations.

• Access a curated library of resource links, tools, and assistive technologies for every type of disability covered.

Session Topics

We’ll dive into each disability category with practical examples, adaptive tools, and accessibility strategies for both ICT (digital) and physical spaces:

• Visual Disabilities

• Auditory Disabilities

• Deaf-Blindness

• Speech & Language Disabilities

• Mobility, Flexibility & Body Structure Disabilities

• Cognitive Disabilities

• Seizure Disabilities

• Psychological Disabilities

• Multiple & Complex Disabilities

Each section includes real-world examples, barriers to participation, and adaptive strategies used by individuals with permanent, temporary, or episodic disabilities.

Why It Matters

When organizations design with disability in mind, they design for everyone.
Universal Design doesn’t just make workplaces accessible — it enhances innovation, engagement, and belonging.

• HR and DEI leaders who understand these principles are better equipped to:

• Reduce unintentional barriers in hiring, retention, and performance management

• Partner effectively with accessibility professionals

• Build policies and environments that proactively support all employees

Session Format

Length: 1 hour learning + 30 minutes Q&A and networking
Format: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
Ideal For: HR leaders, DEI professionals, ERG chairs, Accessibility Coordinators, and People Managers

You’ll Leave With

A foundational understanding of disability categories and assistive technologies
Practical Universal Design strategies to apply immediately
A digital resource guide with curated links, tools, and references for each disability
A community of peers committed to building more inclusive workplaces

Join the Movement Toward Universal Design

Accessibility isn’t a compliance checkbox but a collective responsibility.
Join this session to gain the language, strategies, and confidence to create workplaces where everyone can participate fully.