ADCET UDL Symposium: ‘Inclusive by Design’ - Institution-wide Implementation of UDL at RMIT
Online presentation
This presentation outlined RMIT University’s whole of institution approach to embedding inclusive learning and teaching, guided by the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines 3.0. In response to growing student diversity, evolving regulatory expectations, and institutional commitments to equity, RMIT has developed a cohesive framework that integrates data insights, organisational values, and national and international principles to build a compelling case for system level change—offering lessons relevant across the tertiary sector.
This presentation described how RMIT has approached planning and implementation by cultivating cross functional stakeholder networks, aligning governance and assurance systems, and creating a succinct “plan on a page” to focus and communicate the program of work. An accompanying impact and evaluation framework supports sequencing, priority setting, and ongoing refinement.
Key principles shaping the initiative include co design with students, educators, and professional staff; embedding inclusive practice within existing processes; and identifying early wins to build momentum. Priorities initiated in 2025 span four domains: leadership; culture and capability; education practice; and infrastructure, services and operations.
The session also addressed challenges encountered so far and outlined the steps to be undertaken in 2026 and beyond.
Attendees were invited to reflect on their own contexts, share experiences, and explore implications for advancing inclusive practice within their institutions.
Presenters
Lara Rafferty is the Associate Director, Student Equity, at RMIT University. She leads teams and programs to ensure people from all backgrounds and identities, especially people from under-represented groups, can access education at RMIT and that they stay and succeed. She has led organisation-wide strategy and initiatives towards inclusion and equity for students and staff for many years in various universities and TAFEs, and has also held Board roles on family violence and community advocacy organisations.
Dr Helen McLean is the Associate Director Learning & Teaching in the Centre for Education, Innovation and Quality, RMIT University. She has over 20 years of leadership and experience in leading teams to support HE academics in improving the student experience in curriculum design, program quality and professional capability development through projects for curriculum development and L&T improvement. More recently her leadership has been focusing on curriculum and educator capability development in areas including authentic assessment, inclusive learning and industry-partnered learning.
(June 2026)