LAUSR

The number of students with learning difficulties enrolled in nursing programs has increased. Under the current educational paradigm, nurse educators grant requests for reasonable adjustments from students with diverse learning needs in an attempt to promote equity and inclusivity in nursing programs. This system has fundamental flaws which reduce its effectiveness and perpetuates the differences between students with learning difficulties and their peers. A new educational paradigm based on Universal Design principles is proposed. Comparisons are made between Universal Design classroom teaching and management strategies and current evidence-based pedagogy. The first steps toward adopting a new paradigm are discussed and examples offered. Reasonable adjustments which support the diverse learning needs of all students are feasible and practical. This paradigm change can be implemented by individual nurse educators or as a campus-wide initiative.