Action Zone
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The Action Zone focuses on leadership, strategy, policy, and institutional approaches that support the adoption of Universal Design. Sessions explore governance models, strategic planning, and sector-wide initiatives that move Universal Design from commitment to action.
The Action zone is located in Wicklow Hall 2.
11:30- 11:45: Who Counts 2026: Democratising Data to Drive Institutional Transformation through Universal Design
11:30- 11:45
Who Counts 2026: Democratising Data to Drive Institutional Transformation through Universal Design
Access data can be a powerful catalyst, creating a "burning platform" that motivates staff to move beyond compliance, adopt Universal Design, and close equity gaps institution wide. This talk will highlight how UCD’s Who Counts 2026 report informs and motivates institutional transformation through Universal Design.
11:45- 12:00: UDL- Breaking down Barriers in the Multi-Cultural Classroom
11:45- 12:00
UDL- Breaking down Barriers in the Multi-Cultural Classroom
With over 200 different nationalities enrolled in further education, 1 in 3 of our learners are now non-native English speakers. This presentation will explore how adapting the UDL principle of representing a diversity of perspectives and identities in an authentic way, can enhance learning and improve outcomes for all in the multi-cultural classroom.
Lisa Shields
12:00- 12:15: Fostering autonomy in learners accessing the WWETB Learning Support Service, through a UDL lens
12:00- 12:15:
Fostering autonomy in learners accessing the WWETB Learning Support Service, through a UDL lens
What happens when a learner says “Why can’t you do it for me?” This presentation/session explores how the WWETB Learner Support Service fosters autonomy during the transition to Further Education through structured goal setting, scaffolding, and intentional design. Aligned with UDL Guidelines 3.0, we examine how Learning Support cultivates self-regulation and sustainable learner agency.
12:15- 12:30: Embedding Inclusive Learning, Teaching, Assessment and Feedback in Midwifery Education in DkIT
12:15- 12:30
Embedding Inclusive Learning, Teaching, Assessment and Feedback in Midwifery Education in DkIT
Midwifery Education programmes have welcomed growing diversity within their student populations. Various entry pathways have helped ensure more inclusive opportunities for learners who are supported by universally designed theoretical and clinical learning environments. Faculty and students within DkIT wish to celebrate and share our progress with these inclusive educational approaches.
Dr Anita Byrne
Midwife Lecturer / Midwife Programme Director, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Impact Zone
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The Impact Zone centres on research, evaluation, and evidence-informed practice. Sessions examine the impact of Universal Design initiatives, exploring outcomes for learners and staff and how evidence can inform continuous improvement.
The Impact zone is located in Ecosem.
11:30 - 11:45: Beyond Accommodations: AI, Resilience, and the Lived Experience of Students with Dyslexia in Higher Education
11:30 - 11:45
Beyond Accommodations: AI, Resilience, and the Lived Experience of Students with Dyslexia in Higher Education
This research centres on the lived experience of higher education students with dyslexia to examine how technology, policy, and learning design shape the inclusivity of academic environments. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative insights, the research explore the substantial cognitive demands of reading and writing, the emotional toll of academic barriers, and the remarkable resilience students develop to manage fatigue and cognitive load. Attention is given to how learners strategically integrate assistive technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) - such as text-to-speech, digital annotation, lecture capture and AI supported text simplification - to navigate institutional friction, such as inaccessible digital platforms and rigid compliance policies. The research critically considers the ethical tensions of using these tools, including concerns around accuracy, hallucination, academic integrity and the strong student desire for transparent, citation bases- AI. By combining individual coping strategies within broader structural contexts, the research highlights actionable opportunities for universities to move beyond accommodations and adopt UDL- aligned policies that support diverse learners more equitably.
11:45- 12:30: Leading with Humanity: Emotionally Intelligent, Inclusive Leadership for Universal Design in Higher Education
11:45- 12:30
Leading with Humanity: Emotionally Intelligent, Inclusive Leadership for Universal Design in Higher Education
This session explores how emotionally intelligent, human-centered leadership accelerates Universal Design implementation across tertiary education. Participants will learn practical tools to strengthen inclusion, psychological safety, and community—supporting diverse learners, reducing staff burnout, and creating environments where both students and educators can thrive.
Innovation Zone
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The Innovation Zone highlights emerging ideas, technologies, and creative approaches to Universal Design. This zone offers space for experimentation, inspiration, and new ways of thinking.
The Innovation Zone is located in Breakout Room 1.
11:30- 11:45: Empowering Educators: Tools and Strategies for UDL Success
11:30- 11:45
Empowering Educators: Tools and Strategies for UDL Success
Explore how staff in higher and further education can embed Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create inclusive, learner-centred education. Drawing on practice, we outline strategies, challenges, and opportunities for supporting educators through collaboration, professional development, and sustained institutional engagement with UDL principles to benefit diverse student communities.
11:45- 12:30: Reflections of Home through music, poetry and stonecraft: Homecoming Installation Project
11:45- 12:30
Reflections of Home through music, poetry and stonecraft: Homecoming Installation Project
Reflections of Home is an interactive presentation which showcases eight original collaborative creations of poetry, and music and a stone sculpture made by English, Music, and Stonecraft students in Portlaoise Prison Education Unit over an academic year. The four teachers involved will talk participants through the installation and answer questions.