Next Steps for Adopting ALTITUDE

Following the initial launch of the ALTITUDE Charter in March 2024, which sparked a nationwide conversation about embedding universal design across tertiary education, a significant number of ETBs and HEIs formally adopted the Charter in April 2025. This milestone demonstrated a strong, collective commitment to advancing the Charter’s goals and to shaping a more inclusive, universally designed tertiary education system.

On 9 April 2025, institutions that were ready to adopt were invited to publish a public web statement declaring:

• their support for and adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter.
• their endorsement of a national call to action encouraging all tertiary institutions and agencies to work towards a more universally designed tertiary education system.

This coordinated communication effort showcased broad sectoral support for universal design, increased public awareness of the ALTITUDE initiative, and encouraged further engagement across the tertiary landscape.

Looking ahead, the next formal adoption opportunity will take place during the ALTITUDE Summit Conference, part of AHEAD Ireland’s annual conference, scheduled for Thursday 19 – Friday 20 March 2026. This event brings together leaders, educators, and professional staff from across Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education to explore and advance Universal Design (UD) in the tertiary sector.

Institutions interested in joining the next wave of adopters will be invited to publicly affirm their commitment during this summit. Please visit the ALTITUDE Summit Webpage for further details.

The briefing document, available to download from the communications pack below, outlines:

1. A summary of the ALTITUDE Charter and how it was developed.
2. How ALTITUDE adoption can support your institution.
3. What it means for your institution to adopt the Charter.
4. Practical steps you can take to join the national call to action for institutions and agencies to work towards a more universally designed tertiary education system and publicly declare your adoption of ALTITUDE alongside other institutions.
5. Answers to frequently asked questions about the adoption of ALTITUDE.