Neurodiversity Awareness in Faculty Initiative is a student-informed training program that aims to increase knowledge about neurodivergence and provide strategies to improve inclusive pedagogy. This interactive presentation, facilitated by an undergraduate STEM scholar and advisors, will serve as a professional development session for anyone interested in enhancing accessible academic settings and advancing a neuroinclusive campus culture. Modules include: (1) Definitions of neurodiversity; (2) Individual learning needs; and (3) Creating accessible education. Importantly, the training embeds peer-reviewed literature alongside anecdotal data collected from undergraduate students with disabilities, in order to amplify their voice in recommending supportive educational practices. Presenters will engage attendees through assessments, discussions, case studies, and an evaluation. While the presentation has a focus on neurodivergent learners, which represents a sub-set of developmental disabilities (e.g., Autism, ADHD, specific learning disorders) and psychiatric disorders (e.g., OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD), the content may be generalized to promote inclusive excellence for all students.

Additional Presenters: Karen Krainz Edison, Jessie Green, & Andrew Buck