With redundant representations, users can access content through the medium that works best for them. For instance, someone with a reading impairment can understand a universally designed electronic document because he can look at the pictures, hear descriptions, and hear the words read aloud. Redundancy reinforces ideas for everyone because we all have different learning styles and because multiple representations support one another. The headings along the top give users one way to navigate the newsletter. Those with visual disabilities can use keyboard commands to navigate and can get auditory feedback such as spoken picture descriptions.
Redundancy is particularly useful for students with learning disabilities.
These individuals often need multiple avenues of access and support. Just one facet of universal design, multiple representations are critical for those with disabilities, and helpful for everyone. In CAST's view, publishers and software designers should build multiple representations into all learning materials. Unlike print, digital media are malleable and customizable, so that a textbook can be presented on screen to each learner's specifications. Yet, many textbooks are currently not available in electronic form.