Uncovering Challenges in Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education

Abstract In current Australian practice, higher education institutions provide access to reasonable adjustments for disabled students to support equitable access to learning. Although these practices can support access to learning, there are many barriers for students, including the requirement to disclose their disability, an administrative and advocacy burden, and variable implementation outcomes. In contrast, a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach reduces the individual student demand. It provides learning environments that are, by design, accessible, free of barriers, and appropriately challenging for all learners. In the present study, we conducted an anonymous online survey regarding the UDL practices used by academic teaching staff at a regional Australian university. In total, 113 respondents completed the 20-question survey, which included closed-response and open-text questions. The survey explored academic awareness and implementation of UDL in their teaching practice, and open-text questions were used to elicit their perspectives on UDL. Among other findings in the closed-response questions, there was a large discrepancy in the consistent implementation of UDL in practice, in which 50% of academics reportedly did not intentionally incorporate it. Results from the open-text questions revealed four key challenges academics encountered in implementing UDL: resources and time constraints, knowledge and awareness, institutional barriers, and implementation challenges.