Scientia Education Academy Lecture Series
There are over 1,300 UNSW students registered with Disability Services who have declared they have a disability that needs to be accommodated with educational adjustments to their studies.
This reflects a lack of accessibility in how we present information. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a relatively new concept in higher education and requires us to reconceptualise how we think about educational practice so that a greater diversity of students is included. This means thinking past traditional lecture and text-based learning.
In order to respond more effectively to the different learning requirements of our diverse population of students, we need to rethink the system. Universal Design for Learning means designing learning to be accessible from the start, limiting the amount of accommodations and modifications that must be made. This involves providing multiple means of representation, action/expression, and engagement. Join us as A/Prof Cumming will discuss the importance of UDL and ways that UDL can be implemented in a university setting.
Learn more about Associate Professor Terry Cumming
Associate Professor Cumming is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the School of Education and Academic Lead Education for the Disability Innovation Institute.
Terry has had extensive leadership experiences in learning and teaching, including a three-year term as Deputy Head of School, Learning and Teaching, and membership on the Faculty Academic Programs and Academic Quality Committees. Her teaching and research focus on promoting the use of evidence-based practices to support the learning and behaviour of students with disabilities and the use of technology to create inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning environments.
Her expertise in special education has been acknowledged through invitations to be a panellist providing evidence to the Legislative Council’s Committee investigation on the education of students with disabilities and a consultant to the NSW Ombudsman inquiry into behaviour management in schools. Read more.