One student with a disability commented in a recent survey, \u201cThe support I received from UCD ALL was far beyond anything I expected. The UCD ALL team members were so welcoming, supportive and non-judgemental that it made the entire process so much easier for me.\u201d<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As the move to online learning accelerated over the past 18 months, UCD ALL worked closely with colleagues in UCD IT services to incorporate new technologies to improve the accessibility of the online learning environment for everyone. With the introduction of Ally for Brightspace, students can download course materials in whatever format meets their needs \u2013 such as audio format or Braille \u2013 thus reducing the need for students with disabilities to have their course materials converted. According to one user: \u201cThis is a gamechanger. It is simple to use and works every time.\u201d Students who learn better by listening or who would like to learn while commuting to college, can download audio files and listen to course materials on the go. Ally also provides essential feedback and guidance to staff on the accessibility of their course content and how to improve it, making life easier for staff and students alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Registrar and Deputy President of UCD, Professor Mark Rogers, says that \u201cUCD aims to tailor what we do to really meet the full range of requirements for students without labelling them.\u201d To this end, UCD is committed to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an effective framework to improve the learning experience for all students within the higher education teaching environment. It is a set of principles for curriculum development that gives all students, including those with disabilities, equal opportunities to learn. UCD ALL, in collaboration with UCD Teaching & Learning and UCD Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, recently appointed 17 University for All Faculty partners from across the University. These partners will qualify as UDL facilitators to accelerate the implementation of UDL throughout the University, and will become role models to influence others as to the merits of inclusion for all students. UDL considers the needs of all students and reduces the need for students with disabilities to contact specialist services for extra support. Tonge notes that \u201cthis Universal Design approach ensures that access and inclusion is now everyone\u2019s business.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n For students with mobility issues, the physical accessibility of the campus is a priority. UCD\u2019s new buildings are fully wheelchair accessible, with push pads, automatic doors and disabled toilets and UCD Estate Services and UCD ALL have audited all older campus buildings, adapting and retrofitting on a phased basis. The central spine or mall has been smoothed out with gentle slopes and ramps replacing steps. \u201cAccessibility is the norm, not just meeting standards but exceeding them. This work will continue as the campus develops with accessibility key to all new developments from conception,\u201d says Tonge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The demand for disability supports in the area of mental health has seen a dramatic increase, according to Tonge. \u201cWe have observed a huge increase in the need for accommodations for those suffering from mental health difficulties.\u201d Accommodations might include being able to sit exams in a classroom environment rather than in large exam halls, or perhaps being granted additional time for exams. \u201cIt is vital we try and ensure that students with mental health difficulties maintain their studies and can take their exams.\u201d Communication of the issues around disability to staff is of huge importance, Tonge continues, \u201cTo those in teaching roles, we offer disability workshops and disability awareness training so that we promote a supportive culture in every classroom as well as all around campus.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alumni.ucd.ie\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Access-Leaders-help-implement-UCDs-University-for-All-initiative-1200x520.jpg\")
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