ADCET UDL Symposium: The UDL Quandary of Organisational Implementation

In-person attendance

This presentation explored the challenges and lessons learnt when implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) across educational teams at TAFE SA.

The session outlined the initial approach to implementing UDL, and what was discovered along the way, including discussions about:

• the initiatives undertaken including tools and strategies used, achievements  
• the challenges encountered 
• the successes and failures, and what could be done differently 
• the divide between educational and organisational practices. 

The session also explored how the updated UDL Framework 3.0 may assist in leveraging support for further development and implementation; and how future implementation may be influenced by other emerging initiatives such as the revised standards for RTOs, and fee-free TAFE places.

Advice for other higher education or VET organisations trying to implement UDL successfully across their organisation was also provided. 

Presenters

Jennifer Cousins has had the privilege of working as a Developmental Educator, Disability Advocate, VET Practitioner, and Teaching and Learning Specialist in Accessibility and Inclusive Education. Throughout her career, she has supported individuals with diverse needs in planning and managing their educational journeys, while also collaborating with educators to develop inclusive teaching strategies. Her qualifications in Disability, Law, and Education, combined with extensive professional experience, underpin a strong commitment to empowering students with varied support needs. She has worked extensively with the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) to develop a range of online training resources for the tertiary education sector, with a focus on access, inclusion, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Jennifer is deeply committed to the belief that we all engage with the world through different ways of knowing, doing, and being—and that inclusive education must reflect and honour that diversity.

 

Trina Bianchini is employed at TAFE SA in Academic Development, as a Teaching and Learning Specialist with a special portfolio of Accessibility and Inclusive Education. This role involves providing leadership to teaching programs through quality and innovation to deliver positive student experiences and successful outcomes. Trina is a passionate advocate of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as it drives principles of accessibility, usability and quality learning design addressing both digital content and effective facilitation methods utilising digital tools. Trina facilitates the UDL in Tertiary Education Community of Practice with members from across Australia/New Zealand and a lead in the TAFE SA Co-Design Network who are tasked with designing and implementing an Inclusive Teaching and Learning framework at TAFE SA.

(June 2025)