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Online course: Universal Design Beyond the Classroom (October 2025)

October 6 @ 8:00 am - December 14 @ 5:00 pm

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 and tips to empower student support and engagement staff working beyond the classroom in further and higher education and training. This Badge is sibling to the Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching & Learning. Not sure which Badge is for you? Complete this quick quiz Which Badge Should I Take? to help your decision.

This 10-week course consists of:

  • 5 self-directed online modules
  • 4 peer group sessions: these meetings allow participants to engage with each other, learn about different contexts, and share ideas.
  • 3 recorded webinars
  • 1 redesign activity: using the Universal Design framework and a +1 approach, participants will redesign an aspect of their work and report on findings from their implementation.

A flexible programme to fit around busy schedules, this course provides an opportunity for sustained reflection, helps make sense of inclusion, enhances participants’ skill sets and is a valuable piece of continuous professional development. This badge will serve to inspire you to universally design your practices, regardless of your role, so that all students and staff can engage with your work.

Course Schedule

The links to join the online webinars and the slides for each can be found on the online course platform.

Week Date Time Topic Facilitator
Week 1

(w/c 06/10/2025)

06/10/25 13:00 – 14:00 Webinar – Orientation AHEAD & UCD
Week 1 Anytime N/A Module 1 eLearning N/A
Week 1 TBC TBC Welcome Session Peer Group Facilitator
Week 2

(w/c 13/10/2025)

Anytime N/A Module 2 eLearning N/A
Week 2 TBC TBC 1st Peer Group Meeting Peer Group Facilitator
Week 3

(w/c 20/10/2025)

Anytime N/A Module 3 eLearning N/A
Week 3 23/10/25 13:00 – 14:00 Webinar – Introducing the Redesign Activity AHEAD & UCD
Week 4

(w/c 27/10/2025)

Anytime N/A Module 4 eLearning N/A
Week 4 TBC TBC 2nd Peer Group Meeting Peer Group
Week 5

(w/c 03/11/2025)

Anytime N/A Module 5 eLearning N/A
Week 5 TBC TBC 3rd Peer Group Meeting Peer Group
Week 6

(w/c 10/11/2025)

Continuing N/A Redesign Activity Work Ongoing N/A
Week 6 onwards TBC TBC Weekly drop-ins with Peer Group Facilitator – confirm time with them Peer Group Facilitator
Week 7

(w/c 17/11/2025)

Continuing N/A Redesign Activity Work Ongoing N/A
Week 8

(w/c 24/11/2025)

Continuing N/A Redesign Activity Work Ongoing N/A
Week 9

(w/c 01/12/2025)

Continuing N/A Redesign Activity Work Ongoing N/A
Week 10

(w/c 08/12/2025)

08/12/25 13:00 – 14:00 Webinar 3 – Redesign Submission Questions and Facilitator Badge Information AHEAD & UCD
Week 10 TBC TBC Final Peer Group Meeting Peer Group Facilitator
Submission Date 12/12/25 23:59 Submission of Redesign activity and Peer Verification Form N/A

w/c = week commencing

TBC = to be confirmed

N/A = Not applicable

Please note that all three online webinars will be recorded and made available for viewing afterwards.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the current context in relation to Universal Design in tertiary education, reflecting on the diversity of your own student/learner populations;
  • Explain and demonstrate understanding of the key areas of accessibility legislation which must be adhered to in an educational setting;
  • Evaluate the diverse needs of learners, identifying how learners’ circumstances can impact their experience;
  • Reflect on how you can remove barriers to access through Universal Design of student/learner supports and services;
  • Apply the principles of Universal Design to your own practice.

Learning Activities

Activity Per week Ten Weeks
Live Webinar 60 min 3 hours
Peer Group meeting 30-60 min 1.5-3 hours
Independent learning N/A 7 hours
Redesign Activity N/A 12 hours
Total N/A 25 hours

 Content

Indicative content Facilitator/Guest speaker
Introduction to Universal Design

Multiple Means of Engagement

Multiple Means of Representation

Multiple Means of Action & Expression

Mapping the Learner Journey

AHEAD & UCD
Facilitator’s Badge Dr Lisa Padden, UCD

Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff

 

Registration

For more information, please contact UDBeyond@ahead.ie, or our eLearning and Digital Media Officer Danielle O’Rourke – danielle.orourke@ahead.ie

Details

Start:
October 6 @ 8:00 am
End:
December 14 @ 5:00 pm