Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) developed by CAST 
is a framework to guide the design of learning environments and experiences that are accessible, inclusive, equitable, and challenging for every learner. Ultimately, the goal of UDL is to develop learner agency that is purposeful and reflective, resourceful and authentic, strategic and action-oriented. UDL aims to change the design of the environment rather than to situate the problem as a perceived deficit within the learner. When environments are intentionally designed to reduce barriers, every learner can engage in challenging, meaningful learning. (CAST 2024)
ADCET UDL Symposium
Over four years, the ADCET UDL Symposium has evolved from introducing the foundations of Universal Design for Learning to becoming a leading national forum for advancing inclusive practice across Australia's tertiary education sector. The inaugural symposium in 2023, UDL in Action: the what, the why and the how of UDL, focused on building awareness and understanding of UDL principles, showcasing how inclusive design can remove barriers to learning and create more equitable educational experiences.
The 2025 ADCET UDL Symposium, Cultivating Creativity, Connections & Confidence in the Australian Tertiary Education Sector, built on these foundations by exploring practical implementation strategies, fostering collaboration across institutions, and increasing confidence in embedding UDL at both course and institutional levels.
In 2025 Navigating Authentic Assessment and Learning in a Digital World, participants examined authentic assessment, learner agency, accessibility, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning. The symposium highlighted the importance of student voice and explored how digital technologies can both support and challenge inclusive educational practice.
Most recently, in 2026, From Ideas to Impact: Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice, focused on turning knowledge into action through collaboration, learner partnership, and co-designed approaches that strengthen belonging, access and success for diverse learners.
Together, these symposiums demonstrate the growing maturity of UDL practice across the sector, progressing from understanding the what, why and how of UDL, to building confidence and capability, addressing emerging challenges in digital learning and assessment, and ultimately focusing on achieving meaningful impact through collaboration and co-design. They have also fostered a vibrant national community of educators, researchers, students, disability practitioners, learning designers and sector leaders committed to creating more accessible, inclusive and learner-centred tertiary education.
In 2023 ADCET received strategic grant funding from the Department of Education to undertake a project' 'Advancing UDL in Tertiary Education' project. The project supported ADCET's work to promote UDL in higher education and Vocational Education and Training sectors. ADCET has developed various activities and resources completed through the project which are now showcased in this UDL section of ADCET. Read more about the project in the final report.
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UDL Resources
A range of resources including podcasts, webinars, checklists and templates and case studies are available to support and improve your Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practice.
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Learning Design and Accessibility
Accessibility focuses on removing specific barriers for people with disability, while usability focuses on meeting a wide range of needs and preferences. Improving accessibility often improves usability as well. Accessibility checkers are tools that can help designers create accessible and usable learning materials.
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Professional Learning
A range of free and fee-paying professional learning opportunities about UDL are available. Some are simple introductory online courses, while others require a more significant commitment with assessment requirements. Continuous professional learning allows you to build on what you already know, and the more you learn, the more you and your learners will benefit.
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Get Involved in the Conversation
Professional networking and collegial conversations are a great way to inform and improve your UDL practice. There are a number of ways for you to get involved in these professional conversations.
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UDL Symposium 2023
ADCET's UDL Symposium, UDL In Action: the what, the why and the how of UDL, was held in September 2023 and brought together experts, practitioners, researchers, and advocates from diverse fields to explore the latest developments in Universal Design for Learning.
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UDL Symposium 2024
ADCET's UDL Symposium, Cultivating Creativity, Connections & Confidence in the Australian Tertiary Education Sector, was held in June 2024 and participants experienced an engaging day of learning, sharing, and exploring innovative UDL practices.
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UDL Symposium 2025
The 2025 ADCET UDL Symposium 'Navigating Authentic Assessment and Learning in a Digital World' featured presentations from researchers and practitioners across Australia and beyond. Participants explored innovative approaches to authentic assessment while examining how AI can be leveraged to create more inclusive learning experiences.
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UDL Symposium 2026
In 2026, ADCET's UDL Symposium, From Ideas to Impact: Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice, focused on turning knowledge into action through collaboration, learner partnership, and co-designed approaches that strengthen belonging, access and success for diverse learners.