Call for Abstracts: ADCET UDL Symposium 2026

The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) in partnership with the University of Tasmania is pleased to announce that abstracts are now being accepted for the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2026 - From Ideas to Impact: Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice.

We invite submissions from academics, teachers, VET educators and practitioners across the Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training sectors.

Event Details

Where and when

Wednesday 24 June 2026: pre-Symposium Masterclasses (additional fee), registration and welcome reception
Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June 2026: UDL Symposium

The Forest, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia [map of The Forest]

Format

In-person and online attendance options available

The UDL Symposium 2026 aims to:

1. Share and showcase knowledge and expertise in Universal Design for Learning
2. Continue developing an Australia-wide network of UDL practitioners and researchers
3. Unpack how UDL co-design can empower learners and improve outcomes
4. Explore UDL practices and research which centres student perspectives and experiences
5. Explore how UDL can be applied in our current and evolving tertiary education landscape

Call for Abstracts

We welcome abstracts that address Universal Design for Learning (UDL) applications within Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) contexts. In line with the UDL guidelines 3.0, we encourage abstracts to reflect on how your presentation will link to the broad themes listed below and support learner agency. Abstracts should highlight how your presentation will benefit conference participants and how you will engage with both in-person and online attendees.

Abstract submissions close: 5 pm Monday 2 March 2026

Broad themes

1. Innovative UDL practices in teaching and learning
2. Gen AI and Assistive Technology (AT) as enablers of inclusion
3. Students as co-designers
4. Institution-wide approaches to UDL
5. Accessibility
6. Executive functioning
7. Authentic representation and addressing bias
8. Engagement, joy, and play
9. UDL beyond the classroom

Abstract Requirements

Ensure that your abstract addresses the following:

• Targets HE or VET
• Clearly addresses one or more of the themes
• Clearly aligns to UDL 3.0 guidelines
• Includes evidence of the impact on the student experience (where possible)
• Articulates a clear, achievable goal for the session
• Explains how your session will engage both online and in-person participants

Submission Types

• Presentation (30 minutes)
• Workshop (60 minutes)
• Gallery Presentation

Presenter Attendance

• Online
• In-person

Important Dates

• Abstract submissions close: 5 pm Monday 2 March 2026 (AEDT)

Further information and abstract submission requirements