AHEAD
Creating inclusive environments in education & employment for people with disabilities.

Free courses for Universal Design for Learning and Beyond the Classroom

Register here for the 2026 National Roll Out

Want to build your understanding of Universal Design and make your work more inclusive? The Digital Badge in Universal Design is a free, nationally recognised introductory course for staff in Higher and Further Education in Ireland.

AHEAD, UCD Access and Lifelong Learning Centre, and the HEA's National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning have been awarding Digital Badges in Universal Design since 2019 with over 5,000 badges given!

Course Overview

The next national rollout runs from 5th October to 14th December and includes:

  • A 10-week programme, with approx. 2.5 hours of work per week
  • 5 self-paced online modules and 3 recorded webinars
  • 4 online peer group meetings
  • A Redesign Activity, submitted and reviewed for badge completion
  • An optional 5-hour Facilitator module, for those who want to support future badge deliveries

The course content is practical, work-based, and designed to help you embed inclusive practices in your day-to-day role. You'll connect with colleagues across disciplines and share ideas and resources in a supportive learning environment.

Since 2024/25, we have two versions of the UDL Badge:

Universal Design Beyond the Classroom

This course is for colleagues who interact either directly or indirectly with learners beyond the reaches of the classroom setting who wish to utilise the Universal Design for Learning framework to provide an inclusive educational experience. It will provide practical knowledge to empower student support and engagement staff working beyond the classroom in further & higher education and training.

Digital Badge for UD Beyond the Classroom

Read more about the Universal Design Beyond the Classroom Course

Universal Design in Teaching & Learning

This course is for those who are primarily involved in teaching learners in a classroom setting. It focuses on teaching, learning and assessment, and provides faculty and teaching staff with a sustained opportunity to critically reflect on their teaching methods and make changes by embedding UDL.

Read more about the Universal Design in Teaching and Learning Course