ADCET UDL Symposium: Embedding a Faculty Partner Model to Advance UDL at Deakin University – A Pilot
In-person presentation
Deakin University has a proud history of supporting students with disability (SwD). Yet rapid growth in registrations with the Disability Resource Centre (178% since 2016) has created unsustainable demand for individualised adjustments and extended wait times for essential supports. At the same time, institutional data highlights persistent equity gaps. These gaps include SwD being less likely to succeed, less likely to report a quality educational experience, and less likely to feel a sense of belonging compared to those without disability. These trends signal the need for a systemic shift from reactive, case-based support to embedded inclusive design that supports all SwD, including those not engaged with the Disability Resource Centre.
In response, Deakin’s Access and Inclusion team has launched a Faculty Partner Pilot: A Senior Coordinator role embedded within the Faculty of Health to build capability, co design inclusive curriculum practices with academic and professional staff, and partner directly with SwD to ensure authentic representation. This model operationalises UDL 3.0 by supporting teaching teams to consider multiple modes of engagement, representation, and action/expression at the point of course design rather than through retrofitted adjustments.
A short time into implementation, the pilot has already demonstrated an impact, including a known point of contact within the faculty for disability related queries, membership of the Teaching and Learning Committee, contributions to resource development and considered course wide planning for students that require it.
This session shared how the pilot was developed, from ideas to action, and early outcomes of the Faculty Partner Model. It also invited participants to reflect on why a change of approach may be needed, how to focus and a evaluate a position such as this, and who within the institution is needed to be your champions.
Presenters
Steve Morgan has an academic and professional background in Exercise Science, Adaptive Physical Education and Community Development within professional sport and NGOs. All his previous roles have worked toward improving opportunity and outcomes for marginalised populations. Steve started at Deakin as a Disability Liaison Officer in 2014 before moving into the Manger role. Steve has lived experience with disability after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and has benefited greatly from workplace inclusive practises and flexibility. Steve loves all things connected to the ocean and water. He spends way too much time watching sport on TV.
(June 2026)