Needed Now In Learning and Teaching: Why Universal Design for Learning is having a moment in higher education

Across Australia and internationally, higher education is increasingly embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a proactive response to inequities highlighted by the 2024 Australian Universities Accord and the 2025 Universitas21 Disability Inclusion Policy Mapping Report, which expose the limits of reactive, accommodation-based approaches. 

While our student body is more diverse than ever, we’re still failing students from underrepresented groups at alarming rates. The Australian Universities Accord didn’t just highlight the problem; it demanded action to address these persistent inequities.

ADCET is playing a leading role in this shift, supporting the sector through national advocacy, practical resources, community building and events such as the UDL Symposium.

Authors

Rebecca Morris, Manager, Australian Disability Clearinghouse for Education and Training (ADCET)

Elizabeth Hitches, Sessional academic (inclusive education), Griffith University. PhD Candidate, University of Queensland. Member of the ADCET content writer and UDL Symposium Organising Committee

Needed Now in Learning and Teaching was created and is edited by Professor Sally Kift, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, Victoria University; Adjunct Professor JCU, QUT, La Trobe University

Read the full article as published in Needed Now in Learning and Teaching - 9 February 2026