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ADCET Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2026
From Ideas to Impact - Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice
The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET), in partnership with the University of Tasmania, is pleased to announce that registrations for the upcoming Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2026 are now open.
Welcome from Natalie Brown, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Tasmania
I am delighted to welcome delegates, both in person and online, to the ADCET Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium 2026: From Ideas to Impact: Sharing, Engaging, and Co-Designing Practice. The Symposium will be held in Hobart at The Forest, a stunning new University of Tasmania space that reflects our shared commitment to connection and future-focused learning.
As the principal sponsor of this year’s Symposium, the University is proud to support a gathering that places inclusion, equity, and learner voice at the centre of tertiary education. UDL provides a powerful framework for designing with learner diversity in mind from the outset, rather than retrofitting inclusion. It ensures that students with disability, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, regional and remote students, and learners from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and access needs can thrive in increasingly complex and digital learning environments.
As a university serving communities across Tasmania and beyond, we understand that flexibility, accessibility, and inclusive design are often the difference between a student who thrives and one who never has the opportunity to begin.
This Symposium takes place at a transformative moment for higher education, shaped by changing student demographics, emerging technologies such as generative AI, and heightened expectations around accessibility and accountability. The University of Tasmania has proudly hosted the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) for more than 20 years. This long-standing partnership reflects our deep and enduring commitment to disability inclusion and access in tertiary education.
By bringing together educators, students, disability practitioners, learning designers, and sector leaders from across Higher Education and VET, we have a valuable opportunity to move UDL from concept to impact and to co-design practical approaches that strengthen outcomes, foster belonging, and shape more just and responsive institutions.
Thank you to all who are joining us and contributing your expertise, curiosity, and leadership. Your participation is essential to building an inclusive tertiary sector where every learner is anticipated, valued, and supported to succeed.
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
Program
Day 1 – Wednesday 24 June 2026
The symposium will commence with optional workshops and masterclasses during the day, details will be announced soon. Please note these session will incur an additional fee separate from the registration cost.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Official registration and welcome reception (included in registration fee)
Day 2 – Thursday 25 June 2026
8:15 am - Registrations open
9:00 am - 5:00 pm AEST
Day 3 – Friday 26 June 2026
8:15 am - Registrations open
9:00 am - 4:00 pm AEST
Registration
Early bird registration is available until Monday, 4 May 2026. After this date, standard registration fees will apply.
Please note: In-person places are limited and subject to availability. We recommend registering early to avoid missing out, as the event may sell out before the registration closes.
Symposium Aims
The UDL Symposium 2026 aims to:
- Share and showcase knowledge and expertise in Universal Design for Learning
- Continue developing an Australia-wide network of UDL practitioners and researchers
- Unpack how UDL co-design can empower learners and improve outcomes
- Explore UDL practices and research which centres student perspectives and experiences
- Explore how UDL can be applied in our current and evolving tertiary education landscape
Who Should Attend
This conference is designed for academic and professional staff within the tertiary education sector (HE & VET) who have an interest in Universal Design for Learning. Potential presenters and participants may include:
- Educators in Higher Education or Vocational Education and Training
- Learning Designers
- Learning Support Staff
- Disability Advisors
- Accessibility Advisors
- Assistive Technology Officers
- Inclusive Education Students
- Staff and students with disability in tertiary education
Facilitator
Dr Samantha Poulos is a feminist literary theorist with a background in first year teaching who now works to develop inclusive teaching practices and improve student engagement at the University of Sydney. They are an Educational Designer specialising in developing UDL practices and communities in tertiary institutions. Samantha is honoured to be returning as MC to the ADCET symposium this year and will continue to nurture joy and play in everything they do.
Key dates
Abstract submissions are now closed
Abstract acceptance notifications: Monday 23 March 2026Registrations close
Early bird in-person: Monday, 4 May 2026. After this date, standard registration fees will apply.
Standard In-person: Wednesday 17 June 2026 5:00 pm AEST
Online: Friday 19 June 2026 5:00 pm AEST
Supported by:
ADCET is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education
