Universal Design for Learning: A Blended Professional Learning Program for Victorian Educators

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that emphasises the creation of flexible learning environments to accommodate diverse learner needs, including those of students with disabilities, in primary, secondary, and specialist schools. UDL promotes inclusivity by ensuring that educational materials, methods, and assessments are accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. By providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression, UDL aims to level the playing field and provide equal learning opportunities for all students. In addition, UDL aligns with legal requirements such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education (DSE) by ensuring that schools can proactively meet the needs of students with disabilities.

UDL offers a comprehensive approach to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities by promoting inclusivity, equity, and personalisation. UDL creates learning environments that support the academic success and overall well-being of students. By integrating UDL principles into the systems associated with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), schools can create more inclusive learning environments where all students and staff have opportunities to succeed.

Monash Faculty of Education in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education will design and deliver this blended professional learning program to educators and school leaders, with the aim:
✓ To enhance the current knowledge and expertise of educators and school leaders in the administration of a broader range of high-impact, evidence-based pedagogical practices to support all students that are integrated into an MTSS Framework and aligned to the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)
✓ To illustrate how UDL can be integrated into an MTSS framework in Victorian schools
✓ To develop staff expertise in UDL and its practical application in classrooms to support all students and with a focus on students with disability/additional learning needs
✓ To build the capability of inclusion outreach coaches to provide face to face training and coaching to schools who want to implement UDL within an MTSS Framework
✓ To encourage a more rigorous approach and emphasis on measuring the implementation of UDL in schools and the impact and outcomes for students and staff associated with implementation of UDL