Pragmatic Universal Design: Making inclusion achievable now

Pragmatic Universal Design is a framework created by Australian Disability Network, grounded in our 2025 research on co-designing neuroinclusive workplaces. It helps organisations move beyond intent and into action by adapting universal design principles into practical, achievable steps so they can start today, even when full-scale change feels overwhelming.

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About the Research

In our 2024 Voice of Members survey, neurodiversity in the workplace was identified as the top research priority for Australian Disability Network members. Members told us they wanted to learn how to create neuroinclusive workplace environments. In response, we conducted a significant piece of research to explore what makes a workplace neuroinclusive and neuroaffirming, and identified practical, sustainable solutions that benefit all employees. We co-designed the research with people with lived experience of neurodivergence, ensuring that their insights shaped every stage, from survey design to final recommendations.

What we found:

• Neurodivergent identity and community matter – belonging drives wellbeing and performance.
  There’s no single ‘right’ way to work – flexibility benefits everyone.
• Workplace structures often favour neurotypical norms – these “brick walls” block progress.
• These insights revealed a new approach: Pragmatic Universal Design, enabling organisations to start where they are and take achievable steps toward inclusion.

Members can access the full report below

The Pragmatic Universal Design approach

Our research shows that meaningful inclusion starts with:

• Designing with, not just for, people with disability: Solutions are co-created with those who have lived experience, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• Adapting to individual and contextual needs: Systems and environments are flexible, allowing for a range of participation and support.
• Focusing on outcomes and lived experience: The goal is not just to meet policy requirements, but to create environments where all employees can thrive.
• Continuous improvement: Practices are proactive, iterative, and responsive to feedback.

Pragmatic Universal Design principles

These principles turn that approach into action:

• Start Where You Are 
  Work with your current space, budget, and resources. Every organisation can make meaningful improvements without waiting for ideal conditions.
• Focus on Impact 
  Small changes can have significant effects. A simple door handle replacement or clear signage can transform someone’s experience.
• Learn as You Go 
  Gather feedback, make adjustments, and build on what works. Inclusion is a journey, not a destination.
• Progress Over Perfection 
  Taking action today is better than planning the perfect solution for tomorrow. Build momentum through consistent improvement.

How it works: From principles to practice

Universal Design sets a high standard for accessibility and inclusion, with principles such as Equitable Use, Flexibility in Use, and Perceptible Information. These principles provide the ideal destination for creating environments that work for everyone.

For many organisations, implementing the full suite of Universal Design principles can feel overwhelming. Pragmatic Universal Design bridges this gap. It keeps Universal Design as the long-term vision while focusing on practical, achievable actions that can be taken now, using existing resources.

It’s about making progress today rather than planning perfection for tomorrow. Whether you’re addressing physical access, sensory needs, communication preferences, or workplace adjustments, Pragmatic Universal Design helps you start where you are and learn as you go.

How they differ in practice

These examples illustrate how Pragmatic Universal Design is a roadmap to Universal Design, with one achievable step at a time.

Other examples may include:

• Policy changes: Instead of waiting to rewrite every HR policy, start by adding a simple line in job ads: “Let us know if you need any adjustments.”
• Improving physical access: If full renovations aren’t possible, can you replace a round doorknob with a lever handle, or add clear signage? These are small changes with big impact.
• Creating an inclusive culture: If you can’t redesign performance metrics overnight, begin by training managers on inclusive communication and neurodiversity awareness.

How to reference Pragmatic Universal Design

Pragmatic Universal Design was developed by Australian Disability Network (2025). If you reference this concept in publications or whitepapers, please acknowledge AusDN as the originator.

Suggested citations:

Pragmatic Universal Design was developed by Australian Disability Network (2025)

Australian Disability Network (2025). Pragmatic Universal Design: A practical framework for neuroinclusive workplaces.