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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11:30- 12:30: ZONE SPLIT 1
11:30- 12:30: ZONE SPLIT 1
Action Zone
- 11:30- 11:45: Who Counts 2026: Democratising Data to Drive Institutional Transformation through Universal Design
Dr. Bairbre Fleming, University College DublinClaire Mullen, University College Dublin
Dr. Bairbre Fleming University College Dublin
Dr Bairbre Fleming, Director of UCD Access and Lifelong Learning, has extensive experience working with underrepresented students through the UCD Access programmes, with particular emphasis on mature students and part-time programmes. Her PhD drew on a sociological analysis of the experiences of mature students in higher education. Bairbre leads a team of access professionals who attract, support, and develop strategies for the students who come to UCD through a range of access routes. Bairbre is the current chair of the PATH Leinster Pillar 1 consortium which is collaborating to increase access to higher education for targeted under-represented groups.
Claire Mullen University College Dublin
Dr Claire Mullen is the University for All Data and Project Officer in UCD Access & Lifelong Learning. Claire supports the data collection and analysis carried out as part of the University for All initiative and the implementation of Universal Design. Claire’s work aids UCD’s commitment to widening participation and enhancing access for all students.
- 11:45- 12:00: UDL- Breaking down Barriers in the Multi-Cultural Classroom
Lisa Shields,
Lisa Shields
A tutor at City of Dublin FET College, Rathmines, I mainly teach marketing and business modules at QQI Level 5 and 6, to diverse groups of students. With over 60 nationalities enrolled in the college, our student cohort is diverse, multi-lingual and always interesting! I combine 25 years of industry experience with a passion for Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I am dedicated to creating inclusive, accessible pathways that empower all learners to achieve their full potential.
#UDL #InclusiveLearning
- 12:00- 12:15: Fostering autonomy in learners accessing the WWETB Learning Support Service, through a UDL lens
Margaret Howard, Waterford and Wexford ETBMargaret Stafford, Waterford and Wexford ETB
Margaret Howard Waterford and Wexford ETB
Margaret Howard has worked in the area of Adult Education for over twenty years. She has a strong interest in Adult Literacy, Learner Empowerment and Active Participation in Learning. Her current role is FET Learner Support Co-ordinator in Waterford Wexford ETB.
Margaret Stafford Waterford and Wexford ETB
Margaret Stafford has worked with Waterford and Wexford ETB for over 10 years, including as an adult literacy tutor. She now works in the Learner Support Service, supporting learners through a Universal Design for Learning approach, with a focus on goal setting and fostering independence.
- 12:15- 12:30: Embedding Inclusive Learning, Teaching, Assessment and Feedback in Midwifery Education in DkIT
Dr Anita Byrne, Midwife Lecturer / Midwife Programme Director, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Dr Anita Byrne Midwife Lecturer / Midwife Programme Director, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Anita is a Midwife Lecturer and Programme Director at Dundalk Institute of Technology. She is a registered nurse, midwife and educator with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Anita has a long established interest in inclusive learning and teaching approaches having introduced Enquiry/Problem Based Learning into Midwifery Education in 2009. She has also undertaken further study in Universal Design for Learning to enhance educational inclusivity for which she received the National John Kelly Award for Individual Excellence in UDL in October 2022. Anita continues to champion inclusive learning and teaching both within DkIT and further afield at national level.
Impact Zone
- 11:30 - 11:45: Beyond Accommodations: AI, Resilience, and the Lived Experience of Students with Dyslexia in Higher Education
Cathal O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland and part-time PhD student in UCD
Cathal O’Connor Microsoft Ireland and part-time PhD student in UCD
Cathal O’Connor is a Principal Data Scientist with 15 years at Microsoft and 25+ years industry experience. Cathal earned an honours bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Trinity College Dublin, and a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from FAU. Cathal is currently pursuing a PhD part-time in inclusive learning using intelligent technologies at UCD under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Anthony Cronin.
- 11:45- 12:30: Leading with Humanity: Emotionally Intelligent, Inclusive Leadership for Universal Design in Higher Education
Anita Perada, Anita Perada Leadership
Anita Perada Anita Perada Leadership
Anita Pereda, MS, is a holistic leadership coach and speaker with over 20 years of leadership experience supporting individuals, teams, and institutions through complex change. She holds a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Leadership Coaching, along with specialized training in trauma-informed practice and neurodivergent-inclusive approaches. Anita’s work focuses on emotionally intelligent leadership and Universal Design, partnering with organizations to help leaders and teams design systems and processes where clarity, trust, and inclusion are embedded into everyday practice—supporting both human well-being and sustainable success without lowering standards.
Innovation Zone
- 11:30- 11:45: Empowering Educators: Tools and Strategies for UDL Success
Trish O Connell, Atlantic Technological UniversityKatie O'Dwyer, Atlantic Technological University
Trish O Connell Atlantic Technological University
Trish is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE and represents the Life Sciences discipline on the ATU Galway Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Steering Group. She champions inclusive teaching and assessment practices that remove barriers to learning and promote student belonging. Trish was a national finalist for the John Kelly UDL Awards. She was recently awarded a Teaching and Learning Innovation Fellowship under the national SATLE initiative to advance UDL practice and capacity-building across higher education.
Laura Hegarty, Atlantic Technological UniversityKatie O'Dwyer Atlantic Technological University
Katie is a lecturer in aquatic science at ATU Galway and an academic leader in education and institutional enhancement. She mentors colleagues, influences policy, and innovates curricula through leadership in Universal Design, including co-developing an accredited UDL module, coordinating an institutional UDL Peer Network, and advancing inclusive pedagogical practice.
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.
- 11:45- 12:30: Reflections of Home through music, poetry and stonecraft: Homecoming Installation Project
Paula Grant, Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
Paula Grant Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
Paula Grant is a Music Teacher with Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). She graduated with a Bachelor in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin, achieving a First Class Honours and Commendation. She has 23 years’ experience in Prison Education and in her role as a Music educator, Paula has worked alongside numerous agencies including The Arts Council to develop and introduce new initiatives into Prison Education.
13:30-14:00: ZONE SPLIT 2
13:30-14:00: ZONE SPLIT 2
Action Zone 2
- 13:30- 13:45: Lightning Block
Lillian Nave, ThinkUDL.orgDr Liz Norell, liznorell.com
Lillian Nave ThinkUDL.org
Lillian Nave is the Faculty and Educational Development Specialist for the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) at Appalachian State University’s Hickory campus in North Carolina. A former art historian, Lillian also teaches First Year Seminar courses in Intercultural Competence and connects her students virtually with students in Europe, Africa, and Asia. She is the creator and host of the Think UDL podcast which has over 150 episodes. Through the podcast, she interviews practitioners around the world who create more accessible and engaging learning environments for their students. She enjoys spreading the word about UDL through her scholarly articles on faculty development, inclusive pedagogy and UDL, and through speaking engagements at international conferences and invited talks at universities throughout the USA.
Niamh Clancy, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)Dr Liz Norell liznorell.com
Dr. Liz Norell serves as Associate Director of Instructional Support in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at the University of Mississippi. She has spent more than 20 years teaching in higher education, including stints teaching composition, journalism, new media, and political science. She received her PhD in political science from the University of Texas Dallas. Liz’s first book, The Present Professor: Authenticity and Transformational Teaching, is published in the University of Oklahoma Press’s series, Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed, co-edited by James Lang and Michelle Miller. Liz is passionate about equitable, inclusive teaching, constructive conversations across differences, and fostering meaningful learning. She is also dedicated to boosting awareness of disability in higher education.
Niamh Clancy Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)
Niamh Clancy is the Further Education and Training (FET) Inclusion Development Officer with Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). She is deeply committed to achieving equality and access for individuals and groups who experience marginalisation or disadvantage. To date, her work has focused on enhancing the development of individuals, enabling them to reach their full potential and find their place within society through person-centred support and inclusive educational frameworks. Niamh has a particular interest in universal design, applying its principles within her current role to ensure that FET environments are inherently accessible and inclusive for all learners.
- 13:45- 14:00: Evaluating Inclusivity in Higher Education: A UDL-Informed Programme Review at ATU
Eloise McGinty, Atlantic Technological UniversityPatrick Brennan, Atlantic Technological University
Eloise McGinty Atlantic Technological University
Eloise McGinty is a lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Sport at ATU Donegal. She has been applying differentiated teaching methods since 2002 and, since discovering Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in 2020, has become a committed advocate. Eloise has facilitated the UDL Digital Badge at both national and local rollouts, serves on the ATU UDL Steering Group as Donegal’s ambassador, and has led workshops and programme audits to raise awareness and embed UDL practices. She recently completed a master’s degree in UDL at ATU Sligo. She teaches in the Inclusive Curriculum using UDL module in the MA in Teaching and Learning.
Patrick Brennan Atlantic Technological University
Patrick is a lecturer at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Donegal since 2012, attached to the Faculty of Business. He holds a BA in Hotel and Catering Management (Honours Degree), an MA in Learning and Teaching and an MSc in Marketing Practice. He lectures across two Departments viz the Department of Law, Public Service and Education and the Department of Tourism and Sport. His current research focus is in the area of inclusive curriculum using universal design for learning. He is a UDL badge facilitator for ATU and helps co-facilitate on the national delivery of the digital badge for Universal Design in Teaching and Learning. He lectures on the MA in Learning and Teaching (MALT) at ATU.
Impact Zone 2
- 13:30- 13:45: Trauma-Informed Practice and Universal Design in Higher Education: Designing for Psychological Safety
Maeve Dempsey, TUS
Maeve Dempsey TUS
Maeve Dempsey is a lecturer in Social Care and Programme Lead for the BA (Hons) Social Care Work programme at the Technological University of the Shannon. She has a background in social care and has also worked as a professional supervisor and coach. She holds a Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice and is currently undertaking doctoral research at the University of York in trauma-informed leadership. Her work explores how trauma-informed and inclusive approaches can support psychologically safe leadership, learning, and organisational cultures.
- 13:45- 14:00: UDL-Informed Digital Approaches to Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Education
Jennifer Byrne, University of LimerickKerry McGlynn, University of Limerick
Jennifer Byrne University of Limerick
Jennifer is an experienced nurse educator and healthcare professional with a comprehensive background spanning adult and children’s nursing in both Ireland and the UK. She specialised in children’s perioperative nursing and interventional radiology in the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children. Jennifer commenced her academic nurse education career in Kings College, London, where she honed and fine-tuned her clinical skills teaching and simulation education expertise. She currently serves as a University Teacher at the University of Limerick, where she delivers teaching across both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes.
In the University of Limerick, Jennifer contributes to the ongoing advancement of clinical skills training and simulation enhanced learning, supporting the integration of evidence based educational approaches into nursing curricula. Her work focuses on ensuring that students develop essential practical skills within a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
Jennifer is dedicated to enabling and empowering the next generation of nurses and midwives with the skills, judgement, and confidence needed to provide exceptional, person centred care which is evident within the innovative suite of pre-recorded videos she has developed to promote accessibility of education for all.Kerry McGlynn University of Limerick
Kerry is a highly experienced adult nurse with an extensive career spanning more than 30 years having worked in both the UK and Ireland. Kerry’s area of speciality is within Emergency Department nursing where she held positions in Clinical Nurse Management and worked across three separate hospital groups as Assistant Director of Nursing.
Kerry also serves as a University Teacher at the University of Limerick, where she delivers teaching across both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes. Kerry brings a wealth of practical expertise and leadership to her teaching.
Throughout her career, Kerry has been committed to strengthening professional standards in nursing through high quality, evidence-based, practice focused education. Her teaching philosophy is firmly rooted in real world application; she is deeply practical minded and dedicated to ensuring that her students become safe, confident, and competent practitioners which was the driving force for her to create pre-recorded videos teaching learners niche, critical-care nursing clinical skills.
Kerry is also passionate about developing innovative and accessible learning resources that address the diverse needs of today’s nursing students. Her work consistently aims to promote autonomy, advocacy and confidence in her learners. Kerry supports learners of all backgrounds in achieving their full potential thus preparing them for the complexities of Nursing and Midwifery in the ever-changing, modern healthcare setting.
Innovation Zone 2
- 13:30- 13:45: Mapping Inclusive Practice and Universal Design Initiatives: A Whole University Approach
Thomas O'Shaugnessy, University of LimerickDr. Tracy McAvinue, University of Limerick
Thomas O'Shaugnessy University of Limerick
Thomas O'Shaughnessy serves as the manager of the Educational Assistive Technology Centre at the University of Limerick. With nearly 20 years of experience promoting and facilitating inclusive practices in higher education, Thomas has overseen research initiatives and local and national projects focused on inclusive practices, assistive technology, accessibility, and universal design. Additionally, he is a guest lecturer for several postgraduate courses. Thomas has authored publications in various fields, including assistive technology, accessibility, the third space, and universal design.
Dr. Tracy McAvinue University of Limerick
Tracy McAvinue has an academic background, having researched and taught in Literary Studies, earning her PhD in 2021. Her research area has been focused on marginalised writers and the need for diversity in literary studies and higher education. Tracy has organised events such as a seminar titled ‘Diversifying the Canon’, an international conference titled ‘Intersectional Irelands’, and seminars addressing inequities and employment precarity for early-career researchers in academia. She worked in the area of Disability Support Services and as Disability Access Route to Education advisor and is currently the Project Officer for Universal Design Inclusive Practice, involved in a number of projects developing inclusive practice in the University of Limerick. Her current research interests are in access and inclusion in higher education.
- 13:45- 14:00: From Engagement to Expression: Immersive Tech in Teaching Practice
Sarah Peinelt,Iris Kerssebeek,
Sarah Peinelt
Sarah Peinelt is the Technology Integration Coordinator at MSLETB, supporting Moodle and digital learning across Further Education and Training. She develops training resources, leads technology-enhanced learning initatives, and works with educators and colleges to improve digital workflows, communication, and teaching practices through practical, accessible and innovation solutions.
Iris Kerssebeek
Iris Kerssebeck is Programme Manager for the Immersive Technology Apprenticeship with MSLETB and leads development of the new XR Hub in Sligo. With a background in design, digital media and immersive tech, she specialises in creating practical, real world learning experiences and collaborating with education, industry and skill bodies.
What is the ALTITUDE Charter?
SUPPORTED BY the HEA
The core funding received by AHEAD for its higher education activities is provided by the Higher Education Authority.
Supported by SOLAS
The core funding received by AHEAD for its further education activities on fostering inclusion is provided by SOLAS.
