Dr. Lisa Padden
Deputy Director, UCD Access and Lifelong Learning (ALL)
University College Dublin

Access Without Belonging: Challenging the Inclusion Fallacy through UDL 3.0

Despite significant efforts to widen participation in tertiary education, many students still experience exclusion once they arrive. This talk explores the concept of access without belonging as an inclusion fallacy, where opening the door is mistaken for meaningful inclusion. It examines how systemic bias continues to shape curricula, assessment, and institutional practices, often disadvantaging those the sector aims to support.

Too often, we build the walls that create barriers to inclusion and then invest time and effort in constructing ladders to help students overcome them, rather than removing those barriers altogether. Drawing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0 and the ALTITUDE Charter, the session reframes inclusion as a systems (re)design challenge rather than an individual deficit. It argues that true inclusion requires rethinking what education looks like from the outset, creating environments where all learners can participate, engage, and succeed on equitable terms. The presentation highlights practical ways to move beyond access towards designing for belonging and against bias in tertiary education.

Universal Design for Learning Winner
Dr Fionn Downes | Assistant Lecturer |ATU

Universal Design Beyond the Classroom Winner
Patrick Arcuri | Access Data Officer |ATU

Jessica Duffy | Student Experience & Partnership Coordinator | ATU
Julia Gauza | 3rd Year Marketing Placement Student, UDL COE | ATU

A student voice video exploring the theme of belonging at ATU. Using a vox pop style, it features honest reflections from students and staff, showing how everyday experiences shape inclusion. Framed around UDL, the video highlights how designing learning to accommodate diverse needs can enhance both engagement and a true sense of belonging.

The ALTITUDE Charter in Action:
Creating Belonging Across the Tertiary Landscape

Panellists:

Dr Michèle Glacken | Vice President Students | Teaching & Learning | ATU
Fearghus Craddock | Inclusion Manager | Education and Training Boards Ireland
Dr Louise Callinan | Head of Access Policy (HEA)
Emil Kindl | ATU Sligo Student Union President

Chaired by | Maureen Haran
Manager | ATU UDL Centre of Excellence

Digital Belonging – Leveraging technology to support diverse learners, address systemic bias, and extend ALTITUDE’s reach

Yvonne Sarsfield | Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Specialist | ATU
John Hough | Learning Technologist | ATU
Irish Kerssebeeck | Interim XRHub Manager & Programme Manager | MSLETB

Public speaking is a vital skill for academic and professional success, yet many students experience anxiety that can limit their performance. This workshop explores how virtual reality (VR) can support students in building confidence in a safe, controlled environment. Participants will use the Virtual Speech platform through VR headsets, experiencing how immersive simulations allow for repeated practice and gradual exposure to presenting situations.

The session demonstrates how this approach aligns with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by offering flexible, personalised learning opportunities that reduce barriers, support diverse needs, and enable all students to develop their communication skills with greater confidence.

Practical Strategies for Belonging – ePractical Strategies for Belonging – everyday teaching and institutional practices that align with UDL 3.0 and the Charter’s vision. 

Professor Gary Kerr | Head of Dept of Marketing | Tourism & Sport | ATU
Dónal Walsh | Adult Education Officer (Inclusion) GRETB

This workshop translates inclusion into everyday teaching and institutional practice. Grounded in UDL 3.0 and aligned with the ALTITUDE Charter’s vision, this session focuses on realistic, achievable actions that support all learners to feel valued and supported.

Participants will explore how small, intentional choices in curriculum design, assessment, communication, and policy can remove barriers and strengthen belonging. Using practical examples and reflective prompts, the session highlights how institutional practices can be redesigned with equity in mind. Designed for educators, leaders, and professional staff, it offers take away strategies that can be applied immediately at classroom and organisational levels.

09:30 AM: Registration

10:00 AM Opening & Strategic Address

Opening the Conference:
Dr Niamh Plunkett | Head of Teaching and Learning | ATU
Dr Orla Flynn | President | ATU

Strategic Address:
Dr Billy Bennett | Registrar and Chief Academic Officer | ATU

10:20 AM : Keynote Address – Dr Lisa Padden, UCD
Access Without Belonging: Challenging the Inclusion Fallacy through UDL 3.0

11:00 AM ATU Dr Brendan McCormack Award Recognition
UDL – Dr Fionn Downes, ATU UDBTC – Patrick Arcuri, ATU

11:30 AM: Coffee and Morning Networking

11:50 AM Student Belonging
Jessica Duffy, ATU Julia Gauza, 3rd Year Marketing Placement Student, ATU

12:05 PM: Panel Discussion
The ALTITUDE Charter in Action: Creating Belonging Across the Tertiary Landscape

12:50 PM: Lunch & Networking

01:45 PM Workshop Round 1 (Select 1 to Attend)

Workshop A:
Digital Belonging – leveraging technology to support diverse learners, address systemic bias, and extend ALTITUDE’s reach.
(Room D1002)

Workshop B:
Practical Strategies for Belonging – everyday teaching and institutional practices that align with UDL 3.0 and the Charter’s vision.
(Room D2022)

14:40 Workshop Round 2 (Select 1 to Attend)

Workshop A:
Digital Belonging – leveraging technology to support diverse learners, address systemic bias, and extend ALTITUDE’s reach.
(Room D1002)

Workshop B:
Practical Strategies for Belonging – everyday teaching and institutional practices that align with UDL 3.0 and the Charter’s vision.
(Room D2022)

03:30 PM Plenary & Closing Remarks