Uncovering Challenges in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Higher Education
In current Australian practice, higher education institutions provide access to reasonable adjustments for disabled students to support equitable access to learning. Although these practices can support access to learning, there are many barriers for students, including the requirement to disclose their disability, an administrative and advocacy burden, and variable implementation outcomes. In contrast, a UDL approach reduces the individual student demand. In the present study, an anonymous online survey regarding the UDL practices used by academic teaching staff at a regional Australian university was conducted. The survey explored academic awareness and implementation of UDL in their teaching practice. Results revealed four key challenges academics encountered in implementing UDL: resources and time constraints, knowledge and awareness, institutional barriers, and implementation challenges. (May 2025)