Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals, including those with disabilities or impairments, equal opportunities to learn.
On June 14th 2021 the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris launched the UDL Guidance for FET Practitioners. This UDL for FET Practitioners Guidance represents the culmination of a substantial consultation and engagement process with FET practitioners and leaders across FET, national and international UD/UDL and inclusive education experts, senior representatives from Government Departments and Agencies, NGOs, and support organisations.
UDL for FET Practitioners: Summary Version
The Grow your UDL Practice Tool
ETBI has facilitated the development of a series of 5 online interactive seminars, which aim to strengthen knowledge and understanding of UDL and offer practical insights on embedding UDL in ETB FET. The webinar series is driven by and aimed at practitioners who design and deliver FET programmes of all kinds, especially instructors and college/ centre support staff
Webinar 1 session is facilitated by Alison Jones and Mike Downes, GRETB. It introduces the concept and practice of UDL. Areas for Discussion and debate include:
The session adopts interactive tools, allowing participants to discuss and share learning and ideas.
Facilitated by Helena Farrell, Kinsale College and Vivienne Doherty BTEI, Donegal, this session explores the UDL principle of engagement, with a focus on its application to Induction processes. Using an interactive approach, this session also looks at getting learners involved, engaged, and motivated.
Facilitated by Dave Mulvaney, Crumlin Youthreach and Carol Neenan, Cork ETB and discusses and debates the UDL principle of representation and its application in areas including the representation of technical language & complex procedures. Options for perception & comprehension are addressed.
Webinar 4 is facilitated by Jennifer Lynch, Marino College of Further Education.& Joe Houghton, UCD, and explores the UDL principle of Action and Expression and its application in the use of Learner Journals. Areas for discussion include the provision of options for physical action, communication and functioning.
Webinar 5 is facilitated by Carrie Archer, PL&D Coordinator for CDETB and Liz Moynihan, Director of Kinsale College. The facilitators share their experience of working as part of a collective in Communities of Practice. They discuss the possibilities of how CoPs' support the true embedding of UDL as a mindset within a class group, a centre, or an entire organisation. Carrie and Liz explore practicalities, challenges, and aspirations as well as the role of leadership in building a UDL community.
A webinar for senior Further Education Managers, Training Managers and Centre Managers on how to set up organisations for UDL success
UDL for FET Leaders: Presentation Slides
A series of webinars for External Authenticators aiming to hep you to understand what UDL actually means, why it is a quality approach to teaching and learning, and how it expands the kinds of evidence of learning you encounter in your everyday work
Facilitated by Patricia Sludds and Cormac Woods (NLN) Ann Heelan (UDL Ireland) and Thomas J. Tobin (University of Wisconsin)
UDL for FET External Authenticators - Slides
QQI Level 4 Employment Skills Mapping - Slides
UDL for FET External Authenticators - Handout
The 2nd webinar in this series focuses on authenticating UDL material.
Faciliators:: Eileen Gilmore (Dunboyne College of Further Education) Ann Heelan (UDL Ireland) and Thomas J. Tobin (University of Wisconsin)
EA in Action: What You Might See When Authenticating Assessments Carried Out Using UDL
AHEAD: UDL for FET Resource Hub
Discover Your Assistive Technology Tool
Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching & Learning
Safe Haven or Stormy Port? The 2022 AHEAD Conference
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