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
