Invitation to Tender - Course Module for Universal Design

The National Disability Authority (NDA)/Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) invites tenders to prepare and trial a module on Universal Design (UD), for use at first year degree level (equivalent to the National Framework of Qualifications level 6/7) in 3rd level educational institutions in Ireland. As defined, Universal Design is the design and composition of the 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.

To view the full tender please goto Course Module for Universal Design

The project will develop state of the art content materials, including interactive simulation content, and prepare all related course work, assessment materials and support documentation and guidelines for delivery of the module. The project will trial the module in a number of Irish 3rd level educational institutions and develop an integration plan that will identify strategies for how the module will be incorporated into relevant engineering, architecture and design courses.

The content materials will be prepared to use as a complete module. The materials will be sufficiently generic to be usable across a wide range of design and technical courses but will contain domain specific examples suitable for students of engineering, architecture and design.

The aim of this project is to encourage and facilitate learning about Universal Design by design and technical students at the earliest stages of their 3rd level education and hence become motivated to apply UD principles and methodologies in their course project work and later in their professional careers. Content materials from the module will also be transferable and usable in related taught or project modules that have a design component.

The project tender and deliverables will be informed by an advisory group comprised of educational representatives such as existing champions of UD within 3rd level institutions, lecturers and deans of relevant faculties.

It is envisioned that this is the first of a series of modules. Modules on UD suitable for levels 8 and 9 of the NFQ are planned to be commissioned by NDA on successful completion of this project.