Universal Design for Learning
Accessibility and Inclusion require an institution-wide effort, and everyone plays a part. It is important to remember that accessibility is not just for students and colleagues with disabilities. Working towards accessibility acknowledges that there is a wide spectrum of skills and abilities, and it is our job to create an equitable environment that values every perspective and provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed.
To do this, it is up to all of us to consider the small steps that we can take in our daily practice to contribute to this goal. A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach towards creating learning materials, planning class activities, and assessing learning is one way of approaching this goal. The idea is that planning for students with a diverse set of needs may be essential for some, but it will also benefit all learners. On this page, you can find out more about accessibility, what UDL is, and what steps you can take to add elements of UDL into your practice. You can also find out more about upcoming events, national and university-wide projects, and more!
What is UDL
Conferences, Events & Projects
Accessibility and Inclusion require an institution-wide effort, and everyone plays a part. It is important to remember that accessibility is not just for students and colleagues with disabilities.
Working towards accessibility acknowledges that there is a wide spectrum of skills and abilities, and it is our job to create an equitable environment that values every perspective and provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed.
To do this, it is up to all of us to consider the small steps that we can take in our daily practice to contribute to this goal. A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach towards creating learning materials, planning class activities, and assessing learning is one way of approaching this goal. The idea is that planning for students with a diverse set of needs may be essential for some, but it will also benefit all learners. On this page, you can find out more about accessibility, what UDL is, and what steps you can take to add elements of UDL into your practice. You can also find out more about upcoming events, national and university-wide projects, and more!
ATU Wins National UDL Award
The John Kelly Awards for Universal Design in Further and Higher Education aim to celebrate and recognise excellence in the embedding of universal design in both individual practice, and more systematically through strategic collaborative action.
After an international review process, ten finalists were shortlisted. ATU had two individual academics shortlisted and was also shortlisted for a collaborative award with UCC, UL and the National Learning Network.
ATU won the collaborative award. The ATU team was led by Dr Niamh Plunkett & Maureen Haran.
Programmatic Review Preparation
Implementation of universal design principles in Teaching & Learning promotes inclusivity and equity while also ‘future-proofing’ your teaching. As our classrooms and lecture theatres become increasingly diverse, our practices must also adapt to reflect the changing landscape of higher education.
UDL Conference 2023
UDL Conference 2022
UDL Conference 2021
UDL on-line content video link
The on-line UDL module video is 3 hours in length and you can view these in your own time. The link is comprised of multiple short videos for you to view that give an understanding of the UDL concepts. Here you will find the basics of UDL, the theory, some examples of good UDL practice and a reflective quiz on your own teaching and learning (the results are viewed only by you).
Additional Resources
Module Manager has added support features in order to provide guidance on appropriate skills, verbs and assessments that contribute to constructive alignment within the system when building or editing a module. The following link is a tutorial that supports you in understanding the guidance that has been provided.
More information and further resources can also be found on the CELT Moodle page. The link is provided below.
UDL Principles
Useful Resources
ATU Wins National UDL Award
The John Kelly Awards for Universal Design in Further and Higher Education aim to celebrate and recognise excellence in the embedding of universal design in both individual practice, and more systematically through strategic collaborative action.
After an international review process, ten finalists were shortlisted. ATU had two individual academics shortlisted and was also shortlisted for a collaborative award with UCC, UL and the National Learning Network. ATU won the collaborative award. The ATU team was led by Dr Niamh Plunkett & Maureen Haran.