Overview
Looking to increase your understanding and develop your skills in Universal Design? The Digital Badge in Universal Design provides colleagues with a framework for embedding inclusion into their work, learning from their peers, and redesigning their practice.
This free introductory course in Universal Design for Learning is open to people working in Higher Education and Further Education and Training in the Republic of Ireland. It is a nationally recognised micro-credential that has already been completed by more than 4,500 people.
The next national rollout will take place from 5 October to 14 December 2026.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Reflect on the diversity of students within your institution;
- Explain the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can support diverse learners;
- Deepen your understanding of Universal Design for Learning through peer engagement and shared reflection;
- Redesign elements of your teaching and learning practice based on your knowledge of Universal Design for Learning principles;
- Identify broader changes to your practice that align with a Universal Design for Learning approach.
Course Structure
The Digital Badge consists of:
- A 10-week programme requiring approximately 2.5 hours of work per week;
- Five self-directed online modules and three recorded webinars;
- Four online peer-group meetings;
- A redesign activity that is submitted and reviewed before the digital badge is awarded;
- An optional five-hour facilitator activity for participants who wish to support future rollouts of the badge.
The programme is work-based, practical, and flexible. Participants meet colleagues from across the sector, learn about different contexts and disciplines, and share ideas and resources. Case studies from around the country provide innovative and creative examples of how Universal Design can be implemented in teaching activities.
The Digital Badge in Universal Design for Teaching and Learning:
- Is designed for people primarily involved in teaching learners in classroom settings;
- Focuses on teaching, learning, and assessment;
- Provides teaching staff with a sustained opportunity to reflect critically on their methods and embed Universal Design for Learning in their practice;
- Supports enhanced teaching, improved learning experiences, and stronger student engagement.
Important: Participants should have some teaching activity during the course rollout so that they can redesign an element of their practice.
Professional Development Recognition
On earning the open badge for this course, you will have achieved further recognition across the following domains of the National Professional Development Framework for Staff Who Teach:
- Domain 3: Professional Communication and Dialogue — emphasises the importance of clear and coherent communication skills within changing learning environments;
- Domain 4: Professional Knowledge and Skills — supports individuals in remaining current in their professional or disciplinary knowledge and applying evidence-based teaching, learning, and assessment practices;
- Domain 5: Personal and Professional Digital Capacity — recognises the importance of developing the digital skills needed to harness technology and improve learning.
Course Developers
This open course was developed by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in partnership with:
Ann Heelan
AHEAD: Association for Higher Education Access & Disability
Dara Ryder
AHEAD: Association for Higher Education Access & Disability
Lisa Padden
University College Dublin
Resources for educators & course teams
This section is not for taking the course. Use the Register button to get started.
The course materials are available as Open Educational Resources under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence. You may use, share, adapt, and remix the materials, subject to the licence terms.
Access Developer Materials
Questions about the course?
Email udlbadge@ahead.ie or universityforall@ucd.ie.
Free · 5 October–14 December 2026
