Each day begins with a welcome session in the Action Zone and then we will split into breakouts before coming back together at the end.
Use the buttons below to jump straight into a particular zone, or scroll to browse the full programme:
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12:25- 13:10: ZONE SPLIT 1
12:25- 13:10: ZONE SPLIT 1
Action Zone 1
- 12:25-12:40: Barriers and Bridges: Exploring the challenges experienced by higher education staff to engage with professional learning on Universal Design
Dr. Suzanne Stone, University of Limerick
Dr. Suzanne Stone University of Limerick
Dr Suzanne Stone is an experienced academic developer currently working as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Lead at the University of Limerick. This role involves driving the University strategic aim to ensure accessibility to the university learning experience for all students by embedding and enacting UDL in programme design and delivery. Before joining UL, Suzanne worked as an academic developer and learning technologist, accruing considerable experience in higher education. Specific areas of expertise include scholarship of teaching and learning; digital learning; embedding digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment; digital accessibility and universal design for learning. Research experience also includes digital well-being; social media in education; student partnership; GenAI in education; large cohort teaching and learning; and digital assessment.
- 12:40-12:55: Embedding UDL in Further Education: to promote a strengths-based model of inclusive practice
Dr Aideen Hunter,
Dr Aideen Hunter
Aideen Hunter is a Senior Lecturer at Ulster University and a sector- leading specialist in inclusive practice and neurodiversity within Further Education. With over two decades of experience in teacher education, she has driven major regional initiatives to enhance professional development for FE practitioners, including pioneering new provision in neuroinclusive practice and reasonable adjustments.
Aideen currently leads several large-scale Department for the Economy- funded projects supporting neurodiversity- inclusive pedagogy across the FET sector in Northern Ireland. Her work focuses on translating research into practical, accessible professional learning that empowers educators and support staff to creat equitable, universally designed learning environments.
- 12:55-13:10: i-TeachLab: Integrating Universal Design for Learning Across Teaching, Assessment and Space
Sanne Balendonck, Hasselt University
Sanne Balendonck Hasselt University
Sanne Balendonck is a project researcher at Hasselt University, affiliated with the School of Educational Studies end the Faculty of Architecture and Arts. Her research focuses on inclusive education, with a particular interest in spatial awareness and educational architecture.
Impact Zone 1
- 12:25-12:40: Pathways to Inclusive Practice Programme: The University of Cambridge
Dr John Harding, The University of Cambridge
Dr John Harding The University of Cambridge
Dr John Harding has been Head of the Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) at the University of Cambridge since 2008. The ADRC is Cambridge’s service for disabled students and those staff working with disabled students. John is also a member of the University’s Disabled Staff Network, and Secretary of the University’s Accessibility Committee and a trustee of two small charities who make grants to disabled students. John is a Senior Accredited Member and Company Secretary of the UK’s National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP) as well as an Adviser to the Board and Reviewing Panel Chair on the NADP accreditation scheme. John also sits on the Office for Students Disability in Higher Education Expert Panel.
John has worked as a practitioner and managed teams of specialists in the field of disability support and inclusive practice in both further and higher education for over twenty years. During that time, he has worked on the development more inclusive and supportive policies in relation to disabled students, including the promotion of Universal Design for Learning and inclusive pedagogical design and practices. John holds a PGCE in adult literacy, a masters in international development, the postgraduate diploma in teaching and assessing specific learning difficulties and completed his doctorate in education at the University of Cambridge.
- 12:40-12:55: Co-creating Pathways to Employment
Anne Marie McDonnell, National Learning Network
Anne Marie McDonnell National Learning Network
Anne Marie McDonnell is Head of Programme and Service Design in National Learning Network, part of Rehab Group. As a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, she has over 25 years’ experience working in the areas of Disability Inclusion, Further Education and Training and Inclusive Employment. Anne Marie also worked as a technical advisor on Disability Inclusive Employment Practices in Public Employment Services in the Middle East. She is currently a Board Member with the European Platform for Rehabilitation.
- 12:55-13:10: Lightning Block
Ronan Fox, National Learning Network
Ronan Fox National Learning Network
Ronan Fox is a Senior Digital Officer at the National Learning Network (NLN), driving engagement through tools like Minecraft Education, Canva, podcasting, and video editing. As a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert, he delivers Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) sessions, training instructors on Microsoft applications and creative technologies to enhance teaching.
Innovation Zone 1
- 12:25-13:10: Inclusive by Design: Modernising QQI Assessment Instrument Specifications through a Universal Design Lens
Christina Martin,
Christina Martin
Christina Martin is a Youthreach Resource Person with WWETB and a graduate of the BA in Teaching in Adult and Further Education (SETU, 2025). She teaches across QQI Levels 3–5 and is particularly interested in modernising assessment through a Universal Design lens. As a neurodiverse educator, she advocates for clarity, flexibility, and equity in assessment design to improve learner engagement and success.
14:00- 14:45: ZONE SPLIT 2
14:00- 14:45: ZONE SPLIT 2
Action Zone 2
- 14:00-14:15: UD in Actor Training: Maintaining System Integrity While Expanding Access
Laura Bowler, Theatre Director and Educator
Laura Bowler Theatre Director and Educator
Laura Bowler is a theatre director and educator with extensive experience in directing, teaching, and mentoring. She lectures in Theatre and Film Practice at Dundalk Institute of Technology, where she has developed modules such as Women in Theatre and Devising Practices, and regularly directs student productions.
In addition to her academic work, Laura mentors Chalk on the Wall Theatre Company, a young collective in residence at An Táin Arts Centre. Her mentorship involves guiding the company in all aspects of professional theatre-making, from rehearsals to production management, and providing directorial support to emerging artists.
Through her work, Laura focuses on the intersection of creativity, education, and social engagement in contemporary theatre practice.
- 14:15- 14:30: UDL 3.0 in Action: Reducing Stressors and Enhancing Inclusion
Elizabeth Hitches, University of Queensland
Elizabeth Hitches University of Queensland
Elizabeth Hitches is an advocate for accessible and inclusive practice, holding workshops with universities, government departments, and communities of practice internationally. Her research is currently exploring academic stress in higher education, and how this can be reduced in inclusive and accessible ways through a UDL lens. Her research interests lie in inclusive education at a national and international level, as well as equity, achievement, and wellbeing for students with disability and/or accessibility requirements (Explore Elizabeth's research here). Elizabeth is a co-host of the ADCET ILOTA Things podcast exploring accessibility and universal design for learning (ULD) in the age of AI. She is a PhD candidate at the Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Australia. She is also a sessional academic teaching inclusive education across various universities, and a teacher of research methods at the University of Queensland. Elizabeth is a staff member of ADCET, a national faculty member of CAST, and an associate fellow of the higher education academy.
- 14:30-14:45: Digital Inclusion in Online Learning - between the guidelines
Susan Horgan, MTU Kerry
Susan Horgan MTU Kerry
Susan Horgan is a Learning Technologist in the MTU Kerry campus with a diverse background across the design industry spanning almost 20 years. She brings a practice-led, learner-centred approach to educational content and systems. Throughout her career, Susan has led large-scale projects, supported start-ups, and worked across multidisciplinary teams, combining strategic oversight with hands-on design practices. She has also spent time lecturing, bridging industry and education. Her work focuses on improving inclusiveness, while actively addressing gaps and confusion across these areas to support clearer, more inclusive digital learning experiences.
Impact Zone 2
- 14:00-14:45: Assessing Dyslexia in Adult Learners: A collaborative Level 1–3 Approach
Donald Ewing, Cork ETBSiobhan Nolan, Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Donald Ewing Cork ETB
Donald Ewing has worked as an educational psychologist for twenty years in a variety of settings including early years, primary and secondary school and third-level settings. He holds an accredited postgraduate professional qualification in Educational Psychology from the University of Dundee and is a Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. Donald is a previous chairperson of the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Division of Educational Psychology and is an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society.
Donald trained at post-graduate level in primary education at the University of Edinburgh and has worked as a teacher in a range of settings in the UK, Ireland and Japan. He has worked with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) since 2012. Donald has worked in policy roles in central government with the Department of Education and Skills in the Scottish Government; and the Department of Children and Youth and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in Ireland.
Léan Lynch, Cork ETBSiobhan Nolan Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Siobhan Nolan B.Ed, M.A. Graduated in 1996 with a teaching qualification in Home Economics and Biology. Completed a Masters in Digital Media, Technology in Education. Taught for 25 years, in College of Commerce as further Education Teacher. Tutor in Higher Education.
Léan Lynch Cork ETB
Léan Lynch is a dedicated and experienced educator holding a BA and HDip, with specialist training in educational assessment, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), mental health first aid, equality and inclusion, and consent education. She taught for three decades and serves as Assistant Principal with responsibility for student vetting. She currently works with Active Inclusion Services in Cork ETB, supporting inclusive practice and student wellbeing.
Innovation Zone 2
- 14:00-14:45: Brick by Brick: “Hacking” Your Way Through the ALTITUDE Pillars
Dr. Jack Saad, Atlantic Technological UniversityDr. Maureen Haran, Atlantic Technological University
Dr. Jack Saad Atlantic Technological University
Dr. Jack Saad is a Lecturer in Automation and Robotics at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Automation and Digital Manufacturing. His background combines hands-on industrial robotics and simulation tools, with previous industry experience as an R&D Engineer at CGControls and research collaboration with CSIRO (Australia) on 3D laser scanning for autonomous systems. Beyond technical teaching, Jack is actively engaged in innovative and inclusive learning initiatives. He leads ATU’s participation in the global “Invent for the Planet” (IFTP) design sprint and is the founder of Aristo Academy, a STEAM initiative promoting robotics and creative engineering education for young learners in Egypt. His work connects engineering, innovation, and inclusive education practice.
Trudi Barnett, Atlantic Technological UniversityDr. Maureen Haran Atlantic Technological University
Maureen Haran, Lecturer, PhD(c), SFHEA, manages the UDL Centre of Excellence at Atlantic Technological University (ATU). Maureen has over 23 years of experience in inclusive education in the Irish and American public education systems. She is the programme chair and lecturer on the Post Graduate Certificate/MA in UDL. Currently, Maureen is in the final stages of a PhD study in Education at Queens University Belfast. A national UDL leader, Maureen works with educational development teams to design and implement inclusive education practices at regional and national levels. Maureen was the Project Lead on the National ALTITUDE Charter development project.
Trudi Barnett Atlantic Technological University
Trudi Barnett is an independent Education and Quality Assurance specialist working across tertiary education. A QQI Report Writer and External Authenticator, she supports providers to design, validate, and strengthen programmes through accessible, learner-centred approaches informed by Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Her work brings together quality assurance, creative pedagogy, and participatory methods, including LEGO® Serious Play® and her developing Things Lab approach; using objects, metaphor, and making to help educators rethink teaching, learning, and assessment brick by brick. Trudi is currently completing an MA in UDL with Sligo ATU, an M.Ed with Maynooth University, writes for the international LEGO® Serious Play® Magazine and collaborates with ETBs, providers, and national stakeholders to translate policy into meaningful practice that supports participation, belonging, and authentic learning experiences.
15:00 15:45: ZONE SPLIT 3
15:00 15:45: ZONE SPLIT 3
Engagement Zone 3
- 15:00-15:45: Lightning Block
Patricia Henry,Yvonne Sarsfield,
Patricia Henry
Patricia Henry is a Senior Teaching & Learning Support Officer at ATU, dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning through innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. As a Universal Design Beyond the Classroom Digital Badge Facilitator, she promotes digital literacy, professional development, and lifelong learning, empowering staff and students to achieve success.
Eleanor O'Kelly, University College DublinYvonne Sarsfield
Yvonne Sarsfield is a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Specialist at the UDL Centre of Excellence at Atlantic Technological University. She brings both academic expertise and extensive practical experience in embedding Universal Design for Learning and holds a Master’s degree in UDL.
An experienced Instructional Designer and passionate advocate for digital transformation in education, Yvonne has led projects integrating innovative and emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning. She has extensive experience in instructional design and virtual learning environments, with particular expertise in designing accessible, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences. Yvonne also works closely with faculty to support the adoption of inclusive teaching practices and the meaningful integration of UDL principles.
As co-coordinator of ATU’s UD Digital Badges rollout and a member of the ALTITUDE Implementation Group, Yvonne actively contributes to institution-wide UDL strategy and implementation.
Dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments, she is committed to empowering all students to succeed.Matthew Collins Kearns, University College DublinEleanor O'Kelly University College Dublin
Eleanor is currently completing a Master's degree in Global History in University College Dublin, where she researches gender and intellectual history in 20th century Europe. Eleanor has been a University for All Student Partner since 2023 and is passionate about continuous student engagement in every aspect of higher education.
Blessed Fonkoh, University College DublinMatthew Collins Kearns University College Dublin
Matthew is a 2nd year Biological, Biomedical and Biomolecular Science student at University College Dublin. It is his first year as a University for All Student Partner, a role he uses to break down barriers in education. He hopes this will encourage inclusion across campus
Amaliia Shmyhovska, University College DublinBlessed Fonkoh University College Dublin
Blessed is in her third year of her Bachelors degree in Computer Science at University College Dublin. It is her first year as a Student Partner but has previously held roles such as an Access Leader within UCD. She is passionate about inclusion and breaking barriers to higher education.
Vaishnavi Kannan, University College DublinAmaliia Shmyhovska University College Dublin
Amaliia is in the second year of her Bachelors degree in Philosophy and English at University College Dublin. With experience mentoring children in educational spaces, she values community and inclusion. She is passionate about exploring identity-based approaches in higher education that celebrate diversity and ensure representation and support for everyone.
Kevin Landers, University College DublinVaishnavi Kannan University College Dublin
Vaishnavi is a second year Computational Social Science student, passionate about promoting inclusivity within the diverse space that is UCD. She is deeply interested in addressing issues of accessibility and belonging and hopes to apply her degree toward solving these challenges through a data-driven, research-based approach.
Annette Dempsey, KCETBKevin Landers University College Dublin
Kevin is a 3rd year Bachelors of Business and Law undergraduate student in University College Dublin. Kevin is a new University for All student partner but has been passionately involved in various student bodies working to promote inclusivity and developments in the education sector.
Mary Collins, KCETBAnnette Dempsey KCETB
Annette Dempsey is an Assistant Principal I, leading Teaching and Learning initiatives at KCETB Carlow Institute. With a particular focus on Professional Development, Annette has led on the roll out of Universal Design for Learning at the Institute, fostering inclusive, collaborative and reflective teaching practices. Annette also leads the Erasmus+ International programmme at Carlow Institute.
Mary Collins KCETB
Mary Collins is an Assistant Principal I with responsibility for Student Supports at KCETB Carlow Institute. She oversees initiatives that enhance student wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement across the college. Committed to equity in education, Mary works collaboratively with staff and students to create supportive environments enabling every learner to succeed.
Action Zone 3
- 15:00-15:45: UDL - Does it work? A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Universal design (UCD)
Kathie Orr, University College DublinDaniel Elliott, University College Dublin
Kathie Orr University College Dublin
UCD Access and Lifelong Learning.
Pathways to the Professions Coordinator.
Kathie has worked in Further and Higher Education since 2012. She worked as an instructional designer on the development of the HEA National Forum AHEAD UCD Digital Badge in Universal Design Beyond the Classroom and is currently working on the Pathways to the Professions project.
Kathie’s areas of interest include Universal Design for Learning and fostering inclusion through accessible design.
Dr Lisa Padden, University College DublinDaniel Elliott University College Dublin
Daniel manages the various Partnership Programmes with UCD faculty, staff and students to implement Universal Design across the institution to enhance the student experience. Daniel’s work focuses on a collaborative approach to Universal Design capacity building inside and outside the classroom. Daniel oversees national and local rollouts of the Digital Badges in Universal Design.
Dr Lisa Padden University College Dublin
Lisa oversees the Disability Support Service and the University for All initiative working with academic and professional colleagues across the University to implement UCD’s whole-institution approach to student inclusion. Lisa has particular expertise in capacity building in the areas of Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning.
Impact Zone 3
- 15:00-15:45: UDL: What Senior Leaders Need to Know
Mairead McCann, Atlantic Technological UniversityLaura Hegarty, Atlantic Technological University
Mairead McCann Atlantic Technological University
Mairead McCann is a lecturer at ATU Sligo specialising in Communication, People Management and Transformational Change. She has a strong pedagogical interest in Problem-Based-Learning and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and has engaged in action research in these areas. As a member of the Sligo UDL steering group she has facilitated interactive workshops and training activities in UDL.
Laura Hegarty Atlantic Technological University
Laura Hegarty is a lecturer at ATU Galway specialising in digital media and technologies, digital transformation, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive pedagogy. A CAST-certified UDL practitioner, award-winning educator, and co-founder of Digital West, she leads initiatives and workshops that empower educators with strategies, tools, and research-informed approaches for inclusive learning in tertiary education.
Innovation Zone 3
- 15:00-15:45: Are we all on the same EMpath? Exploring accessibility through lived experience
Niamh Griffin, University of GalwayMiriam Collins, University of Galway
Niamh Griffin University of Galway
Niamh Griffin is a third-year Children’s Studies student at the University of Galway with a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion. For two years she served as the Accessibility Officer for the University of Galway’s Neurodivergent Society. In this role, Niamh represented neurodivergent voices on the University’s Physical Accessibility Forum.
Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, Niamh has actively championed numerous initiatives to enhance accessibility in the University, including the Calm Zone project. She was heavily involved in the collaborative process of planning and implementing the project.
Niamh is a dedicated advocate for inclusive design and practice that is accessible to all students within the university.
Izzy Tiernan, University of GalwayMiriam Collins University of Galway
Ms Miriam Collins is a third-year law and human rights student in the University of Galway. Her focus on human rights in her education combined with her lived experience as a disabled student in university has motivated her involvement in disability rights advocacy in the University of Galway and her interest in promoting universal design to overcome barriers to accessing higher education.
Miriam was involved with the university’s Neurodivergent Society from February 2024 to January 2025, first as an ordinary committee member and subsequently as the auditor of the society. She has represented the voice of neurodivergent students on the University’s Accessibility Forum advocating for greater sensory accessibility on campus and was heavily involved in the design and implementation of the Calm Zone during high stress periods and was a co-applicant for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion fund to run the Calm Zone for the winter reading week and exam period. She is passionate about student staff collaboration and the incorporation of lived experience in service design and policy to improve accessibility for all students.
Roisin Birch, Access Centre at the University of GalwayIzzy Tiernan University of Galway
Izzy Tiernan is the former Vice President for Welfare and Equality in University of Galway Students Union 2023/24 and has had a keen interest in accessibility since they were diagnosed as neurodivergent five years ago. They helped create, design and execute University of Galway's new Calm Zone, and have worked as an advocate on behalf of students with disabilities, as well as themself. They are excited and thrilled to share their perspective on being neurodivergent in the workplace, college and in an activist role, as well as learning from experts in the field of accessibility. For Izzy, intersectionality, lived experience and empathy are the most important qualities to bring to any discussion around disability.
Roisin Birch Access Centre at the University of Galway
Róisín works in the Access Centre at the University of Galway, coordinating outreach and widening participation initiatives for primary school students that aim to make higher education more inclusive and accessible. She is passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and fostering empathy through experiential learning
What is the ALTITUDE Charter?
Supported by SOLAS
The core funding received by AHEAD for its further education activities on fostering inclusion is provided by SOLAS.
SUPPORTED BY the HEA
The core funding received by AHEAD for its higher education activities is provided by the Higher Education Authority.
