In this episode, AHEAD CEO Dara Ryder talks to us about all things accessibility and inclusion. AHEAD is an Irish, independent non-profit organisation working to create inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities. 

AHEAD provides information to students and graduates with disabilities, teachers, guidance counsellors and parents on disability issues in education. AHEAD also undertake national research relating to the inclusion of students with disabilities, contribute to Irish national policy forums and provide professional development opportunities to develop the capacity of staff in higher education to be more inclusive.

Dara provides some fascinating insights into the work of AHEAD as well as provides information and links on the many wonderful CPD resources and opportunities provided by AHEAD for teachers working in further education and training, higher education and graduate employment, many of which are grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This is a must listen for anyone interested in inclusive, accessible and equitable education. 

In another short podcast, Kevin Merry provides some advice and guidance on approaching assessment from a UDL perspective. 

In this very short podcast, Kevin Merry shares his top tips for UDL implementation in higher education. 

In this very short podcast, Kevin Merry explains the concept of the Expert Learner from a UDL perspective. 

This short episode explores some of the key ideas when assessing from a UDL perspective. The episode discusses the core purpose of assessment, the key elements required by inclusive assessments, as well as identifying some important limitations when creating inclusive assessments. Finally, the episode explores some useful ways to evaluate new and existing assessment approaches. 

In this brilliant episode, internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant, Tesha Fitzgerald talks to us about the Antiracism agenda and the place of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a critical means of supporting and developing awareness and practice around it. With a passion for UDL, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Antiracism, Tesha has become a trailblazer for the antiracist agenda in education, modelling expert learning, while equipping others to do the same. She is the author of brilliant book, Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success, and so Tesha's insights into this critical topic are as valuable as they get. This is a must listen for anyone interested in social justice, inclusion, fairness, access and equity. 

In this fascinating episode, De Montfort University's Chris Knifton provides some enlightening insights about the experiences of autistic learners in Higher Education, and provides some important tips, hints and guidance on how to support them. Chris is an Associate Professor of learning and teaching with a specific focus on dementia studies and cognitive care. Chris is also an Admiral Nurse, specialising in dementia care, as well as being a registered learning disability nurse and social worker. Chris is the co-chair of the Higher Education Dementia network, co-editor for the Journal of Cognitive Care, and is also a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. As such, Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise in relation to supporting autistic learners. This is a must listen for anyone interested in supporting diverse groups of learners. Enjoy!

In this engaging episode, DMU's newest National Teaching Fellow, Julia Reeve discusses her "long and winding road" to National Teaching Fellowship. Julia provides some fascinating insights into how applying for a National Teaching Fellowship stimulated intense reflection that caused her to learn things about herself as a teacher that she previously was not aware of. Julia also discusses the importance of finding a mentor that not only knows about the technical aspects of writing a successful NTFS application, but can also be a shoulder to cry on as well as a personal cheerleader, supporting the application process effectively on those dark days when doubt creeps in. This is a must listen for anyone interested in one day becoming a National Teaching Fellow, as well as anyone that has an interest in learning and teaching. 

In this episode we talk to the phenomenal Phil Race about his Ripples on a Pond model of how people really learn. Phil helps us to unpick some of the key aspects of the Ripples on a Pond model, including the importance of understanding learner motivation, the criticality of learning by doing, and the position of assessment and feedback as central features of the learning process. As one of the most important learning and teaching voices in UK Higher Education, Phil's insights into such central aspects of learning and teaching are a must for anyone interested in enhancing their teaching practice. It was a great pleasure and privilege to talk learning and teaching with Phil. This is one to enjoy!

In this episode we talk to the legend that is Geoff Petty. As one of the UK’s leading experts on learning and teaching, Geoff has gained an international reputation with his his best-selling books which include Teaching Today and Evidence-Based Teaching. As a teacher with over 28 years’ experience and a former teacher trainer, Geoff has worked with over 500 colleges and schools, as well as several national and international education bodies in the pursuit of improving teaching practice. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Geoff Petty onto the show. This is an absolute must listen for anyone with an interest in learning and teaching. Enjoy!