Democratising UDL Professional Development in Higher Education through Partnership and Platforming Local Leadership

Abstract

Abstract.

In this case study, the authors describe a targeted programme which facilitates the widespread undertaking of training in Universal Design across their institution. This programme is a key part of the strategic whole institution approach to inclusion pioneered in and adopted by University College Dublin (UCD). The programme creates and empowers faculty to be local leaders in inclusion and Universal Design, and provides them with the structure, support and a community of practice in order to achieve the programme goals. The community of practice has been crucial to the success of the programme, particularly the partnership element. Since the inception of the programme, the number of colleagues completing training in Universal Design has increased threefold and has greatly raised the institutional awareness of the need for adopting Universal Design practices and created a sense of urgency behind it. Flexibility of the programme structure, the funding streams and leadership buy-in are recognised as vital ingredients for implementation.