Universal Design for Instruction has been defined as a specific approach to teaching that involves the proactive design of instructional materials, strategies, and assessments to meet the diverse learning needs of students with and without disabilities in postsecondary education. Nine principles derived in part from Universal Design (UD) principles for architecture and product design are used in planning and delivering course content and assessing learning outcomes. By planning in advance for the various learning needs of students, Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) makes course content more accessible to all students and lessens the need for accommodations for specific learners.
Although they have a similar goal, the terms Universal Design of Instruction, Universal Design for Learning, Universal Instructional Design, and Universal Design in Education are not synonymous with Universal Design for Instruction, as explained in the "Other Applications of Universal Design in Educational Settings" section of this article.