Empowering University Learning Diversity through UDL Implementation

INFECTING OUR UNIVERSITY WITH UDL, ONE ACADEMIC AT A TIME Dr Helen Black, Dr Annette Sartor, Dr Nicole Bridges Western Sydney university

How did we get here? Master of Education (Leadership) UDL subject brought us together Desire to meet diverse needs and learning challenges of student Identifying gaps left by Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plans Finding UDL as a solution for bridging the learning gaps

Our university context Learning futures Online engagement and teaching hub UDL webpage buried below several clicks Regular passive information blogs occasioning UDL Very initial discussions happening in our university around: about UDL framework and AI approaches UDL as an engagement strategy

Small beginnings School of Education Annette: Dedicated UDL subject in School of Education Began as PG subject or Master of Inclusive Education, Has been expanded to other PG courses such as Master of Teaching (Secondary) as an elective. Expanded to new Bachelor of Education degrees (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary) within the Inclusive Education Minor. School of Education staff Seed Grant- using UDL in HE.

Small beginnings School of business Helen: Master of Education (Leadership) subject choice theme of EDI. Including: Mental health in education, Inclusive environments, UDL, Redesign of first year accounting UG subject for explicitly inclusive curriculum using UDL principles with adjunct teaching team Promotion of inclusive team culture and shared vision of equity, diversity and inclusion in the learning environment. Looking forward to sharing results with School of Business colleagues Promote adoption of UDL principles and inclusive practices

Small beginnings School of humanities and communication arts Nicole: Master of Education (Leadership) subject choice theme of EDI. Over 20yrs experience in developing PR and communication subjects with high proportion of low socioeconomic and first in family students. 2 of 3 of Nicole s children are neurodiverse, raising awareness of UDL 3yrs Academic Program Advisor realisation of the increased complexity of cohort with specialised needs. Current DAP role, seeking to incorporate UDL into new programs and provide ongoing professional development to teaching staff in this area.

What would we like to achieve? Lead by example in demonstrating renewal for inclusive curriculum and in-build flexibility to enhance student engagement, retention, and success. Sharing the benefits of UDL approaches for both students and academics in meeting learners where they are . Raise awareness that all learners have diverse needs, demonstrating the importance of providing choice and flexibility, and empower learners to have control of their learning journey Achieve cultural change at a broader level. Promote UDL into as many programs as possible and advocate for professional development of teaching staff in this area.

Challenges anticipated Resistance of academics to change and inclination to defend existing pedagogy Lack of pedagogical training of academics outside of Education discipline Inherent barriers in university policy, such as promotional opportunities focus on research output Workload and time restraints with multiple teaching periods

What can we learn from others? How have you achieved academic buy-in ? How have you shared UDL and inclusive practice in your context? What resources have assisted with diffusion of UDL in your institution? Can we collaborate in a community of practice to disseminate UDL? Dr Helen Black, Dr Annette Sartor, Dr Nicole Bridges Western Sydney university