Universal Design Guidelines

Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment, so that it can be; accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth published the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Settings in 2016. These guidelines apply to both new-build and retrofit projects to ensure that all settings are accessible, understandable and easy to use for all children, staff, families and visitors. A literature review and self-audit tool are also available to help settings begin the process of assessing improvements they want to make.

Organisations involved in researching and writing the guidelines include; Early Childhood Ireland, Trinity Haus and Mary Immaculate College, DCEDIY and the National Disability Authority.

The Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Settings

• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings – Introduction
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings Section 1 – Site Location, Approach and Design
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings Section 2 – Entering and Moving about the Early Learning and Care Setting
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings Section 3 – Key Internal and External Spaces
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings Section 4 – Elements and Systems
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings – Self Audit Tool for ELC Settings
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings – Appendices, Case Studies and Design Brief
• Universal Design Guidelines for ELC Settings – Literature Review