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Universal Design Guidelines

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