A national push for inclusive thinking across university campuses
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has launched Cycle Two of its Universal Design for Inclusion Program (UDIP), marking a significant step forward in embedding accessibility and inclusion into higher education across the UAE. The new cycle expands the initiative to six prominent universities operating across eleven campuses nationwide, transforming classrooms into active spaces for inclusive problem-solving.
Cycle Two builds on the strong foundation laid during the program’s inaugural phase, which introduced students to the principles of universal design through real-world challenges. With its renewed scope and expanded participation, UDIP now reaches a broader student population and deepens its focus on accessibility related to cognition, mobility, and communication.
From theory to practice: learning through lived experiences
At the heart of UDIP lies a hands-on learning model that moves beyond theoretical discussions of inclusion. University students are immersed in practical workshops, collaborative research sessions, and a national accessibility design challenge that asks them to rethink everyday environments through the lens of People of Determination.
Rather than designing in isolation, participants are encouraged to ground their ideas in lived experiences. By engaging directly with accessibility narratives and challenges, students gain a deeper understanding of how design choices can either enable or exclude. This approach not only sharpens technical and creative skills but also nurtures empathy, responsibility, and social awareness.
Eleven campuses, one shared mission
Cycle Two brings together a diverse group of academic institutions, reflecting UDIP’s cross-disciplinary ambition. Participating universities include Higher Colleges of Technology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi University, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, University of Sharjah, and Al Ain University.
Across eleven campuses, students from design, engineering, technology, and related disciplines collaborate to address shared accessibility challenges. This multi-campus model fosters knowledge exchange and highlights how inclusive design principles can be applied across different academic and cultural contexts.
Strengthening collaboration between education and society
The second cycle of UDIP is supported by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an as programme partner. This collaboration underscores the growing alignment between social sector priorities and higher education objectives in the UAE.
By supporting UDIP, Ma’an reinforces the importance of integrating social impact initiatives into academic frameworks. The partnership enables students to see how their design work can contribute to broader national goals around inclusion, wellbeing, and community development.
Building on the success of Cycle One
Cycle Two draws inspiration from the achievements of UDIP’s first phase, during which participating students developed practical concepts addressing everyday accessibility barriers. These projects demonstrated how thoughtful design can improve independence, dignity, and participation for People of Determination.
Several standout concepts from Cycle One have since been recognised for their creativity and relevance, with selected winning projects showcased on the Society’s digital platforms. This visibility not only celebrates student achievement but also reinforces the message that inclusive design has real-world value and application.
Applied learning with real-world impact
Throughout Cycle Two, students will engage in applied research, field observations, and iterative design development. Working individually and in teams, participants are tasked with documenting accessibility gaps and proposing innovative solutions that can be realistically implemented.
The program’s structure encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing students to draw on diverse perspectives and skill sets. By the end of the cycle, participants present their concepts to panels comprising academics, industry professionals, and inclusion advocates, gaining valuable feedback and professional exposure.
Outstanding projects will be recognised through awards supported by Technip Energies, the program’s award partner. These awards serve not only as recognition of excellence but also as motivation for students to pursue inclusive design beyond the classroom.
Shaping future designers and innovators
NMSS views UDIP as an investment in the next generation of designers, engineers, and innovators who will shape the UAE’s built and digital environments. By introducing universal design principles early in students’ academic journeys, the program helps ensure that accessibility becomes a default consideration rather than an afterthought.
Participants leave the program with more than just project experience. They gain a mindset that values inclusion, adaptability, and user-centred thinking—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s professional landscape.
A step toward a more accessible society
Through the launch of Cycle Two, NMSS reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive design practices across the UAE. By working closely with universities, social sector partners, and industry supporters, the Society continues to position accessibility as a shared responsibility.
As UDIP expands its reach and influence, it contributes to a broader cultural shift—one where inclusion is embedded into education, innovation, and everyday decision-making. In doing so, the program helps pave the way for a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society for all.
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