Universal Design for Learning

Registrations are now open for the ADCET Universal Design for Learning Symposium 2026, From Ideas to Impact: Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice. The Symposium will take place in Hobart and online from 25 to 26 June 2026, with optional pre-Symposium masterclasses on 24 June. This year’s program will bring together educators, learning designers, disability and accessibility practitioners, students, and sector leaders from Higher Education and VET to share practical approaches to embedding UDL, strengthening learner voice, and designing more inclusive tertiary learning environments.

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)

The ADCET Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2025, titled "Navigating Authentic Assessment and Learning in a Digital World.", was a one and a half day symposium held at the University of Sydney on June 25-26, 2025, with both in-person and online attendance options available. The Symposium shared UDL expertise, developed a national network of practitioners and researchers, explored innovative approaches to authentic assessment in digital environments, and examined the intersection of AI with UDL principles. Designed for the tertiary education sector staff interested in UDL, participants included educators, learning designers, support staff, disability and accessibility advisors, assistive technology officers, and students with disability in education and training.

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.