ANDPA - Alliance for Neurodiversity and Disability in GLAMR Professions Australia Inc’s Post

Back in February, I had the honour of being part of a discussion on "Finding a Balance That Works for You" at the first-ever Ontario Summit for Students with Disabilities alongside co-panelists Tam Pham, Corbin M., and our skilled moderator Jules Koncovy. The conversation unpacked our respective experiences managing wellness and productivity, juggling competing demands, and prioritizing health as individuals and students navigating the world with disabilities. Themes that emerged ranged from identifying priorities that align with our individual values to managing the delicate equilibrium between career demands and personal wellness. I shared my experience going from engineering to law as a neurodivergent person with speech difficulties and my advocacy for greater inclusion in STEM spaces. The Summit has now released a pivotal report that consolidates the experiences of over 100 students, shedding light on the barriers faced by students with disabilities and proposing pathways for enhancing accessibility and inclusion on campuses across Ontario. This report is not just a summary of Summit discussions but a call to action for all stakeholders in the educational sector to engage meaningfully with the experiences of disabled students and to drive change toward more inclusive academic environments. I invite my network to read the full report and join in advancing the crucial conversations about accessibility and disability inclusion. Download an illustrated PDF or a MS word document version of the report here (please reach out to Samantha Fowler, MScCom if additional alternative formats are required): https://lnkd.in/g35brkup A special thanks to the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, University of Windsor, and Toronto Metropolitan University for supporting the event and, most importantly, to the incredible Samantha Fowler, MScCom and Emma Collington for leading this groundbreaking initiative! #Accessibility #Inclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #disabledstudents

Dive into Boston Globe Media's article exploring Boston public schools' inclusion plan. The article delves into the murky research surrounding the plan's impact on academic outcomes for students with disabilities. With research nuances explored, this article provides valuable insights into the complexities of education policy. Check it out! #EducationChallenges #InclusionPlan #BostonGlobe

"While there’s so much work to be done, there is a body of research providing possible solutions to address this issue, offering higher ed institutions a glimpse into steps they can take to improve the learning experience for students with disabilities." "Colleges and universities can also prioritize the promotion of disability services to all students and offer clarity around the process for getting support. Additionally, they can help incoming students feel more comfortable disclosing their disability by beginning the information sharing process prior to matriculation." https://lnkd.in/gYZPxR24 #higherednews #highereducation #higheredleadership #ada #highered #inclusivity

The experiences and challenges described in this article highlight a significant issue within the context of education in the United States. That said, while cultural, legal, and educational systems may differ, the underlying issues of disability stigma and the challenges of self-identification for students with disabilities can be quite universal. Here in Singapore, strides have been made towards inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, guided by initiatives like the Enabling Masterplan 2030. However, the battle against stigma and the daunting process of self-identification persist, posing barriers to accessing necessary accommodations. Cultural perceptions can further complicate this journey for students. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that the process for obtaining accommodations is clear, accessible, and supportive. It's crucial for educational institutions and policymakers to foster a culture of support and understanding, to create an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. #inclusion #inclusiveeducation #education #EDUtechAsia https://lnkd.in/gTZhTj-B

👍 Kudos to Sonoma State University for promoting #neurodiversity #inclusion! [For more neurodiversity-friendly #colleges and #universities, see the Top College Consultants database at https://lnkd.in/eqGBAa9.] Krista Sherer writes: #Disability Services for Students (DSS) facilitated a panel discussion titled "Nothing About Us, Without Us" this spring with students identifying as #neurodiverse to share about their academic experience at the university. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring March 2024 Developmental #Disabilities Awareness Month, and SSU’s DSS department hosted events to continue developing an #inclusive campus community. “Neurodiversity is a fantastic term for encompassing the many different ways the brain can exist,” said Shannon McEntee, a senior at SSU who is a Psychology and Biology major. Senior Disability Management Advisor Christy Giambastiani led the discussion on Zoom with four neurodiverse students. The panel covered numerous topics, such as how SSU can support #neurodivergent students, the challenges of being a neurodiverse student, and what has helped students in their educational journey.  McEntee emphasized that one crucial way Sonoma State can assist neurodiverse students is for professors to be more proactive and asking students to check in with them if they have learning differences.  “When you are a disabilities services student, you often have to be your own advocate, so if professors could reach out more, or communicate early on that they are here to support us with DSS, that would be good,” she said. See the full post at https://lnkd.in/gN2P-WhU #DisabilitySupport #DisabilityServices #NeurodiversitySupport Lynn Cominsky Betina Wildhaber Luna Nombrano Larsen, M.A. #CalState #DisabilityAdvocacy #autism #AutismSupport

On Thursday, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at the Luminate Education Group Conference: Unlocking Potential. It was an action-packed experience, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to engage with such an enthusiastic and engaging audience. This ended up being a significant milestone for me, as it was the first time I spoke on five different topics across five different sessions all in one day! The discussions were rich and varied, covering essential themes such as: Disability Inclusion - We explored the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued and included. True inclusion goes beyond physical accessibility and touches on the cultural and systemic changes needed to support all individuals fully. Attracting and Recruiting Disabled Talent - We discussed strategies to broaden recruitment efforts and create pathways for disabled individuals to enter the workforce. This involves rethinking traditional hiring practices and actively seeking diverse talent. Retaining and Developing Disabled Talent - Once we attract disabled talent, it’s crucial to support their growth and development. This means providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement. Fostering Inclusion - Creating an inclusive environment requires ongoing effort and commitment. We talked about the need for continuous education, awareness, and proactive policies that support inclusion at every level of the organisation. My Lived Experience as a Disabled Student - Sharing my journey highlighted the challenges and triumphs I've faced, providing a personal perspective on the importance of accessibility and support in educational settings. After all of this, a short (five hours) trip home… What a great way to spend a day! #UnlockingPotential #DisabilityInclusion #Diversity #Inclusion #TalentManagement #LivedExperience #EliminateEducationGroup

As universities open their doors for student applications, our focus turns to evaluating the accessibility of these institutions for students with disabilities. We are examining the transparency of their communication regarding disability accommodations and overall accessibility for individuals with diverse needs. Our intention is not to cast blame but to instigate and promote a culture of inclusivity and education for people with disabilities. Currently, our educational institutions are not equipped with the necessary infrastructure for individuals with different abilities, with only a few noticeable adjustments in place. Genuine inclusion remains more of an aspiration than a reality. Despite these challenges, I am dedicated to witnessing positive change unfold gradually. Through our efforts, I believe we can collectively contribute to a future where true inclusivity becomes a fundamental aspect of our educational landscape. #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #publicspeaker #disabilityinclusion #disabilityawareness

I don't generally mix personal with professional on LI, but today's an exception. I could not be prouder of our son for his advocacy when it comes to accessibility in schools. We all know there are the tick-the-box bare minimums required to make a workplace "accessible" but they are nothing more than that, a minimum, and we should all do more. Looking at Rippon through our son's eyes, we were ashamed at how inadequate our approved "accessible" requirements were and are making changes now to do better. Similarly, at home we now shake our heads in amazement at how simple the tweaks and adjustments needed to be that, until they were pointed out to us, we simply hadn't thought of. As a family, we've got used in the last 18 months to seeing what *could* be done, what *should* be done and what, frankly, needs to become the norm. We're relative newbies to this and there are people the world over who have long been highlighting the need to reconsider accessibility as a concept. Please keep Toby's words in mind as you pass through your own business (whether an owner or an employee) and when you're out and about and speak up - not to name and shame, but to raise awareness - where needed: "Accessibility should be a given so it doesn't become a "thing" " https://lnkd.in/gaRmy_H8 #accessibility #inclusion

With the release of the Universities Accord and the focus on equitable access to education, it’s timely to reflect on the needs of different student cohorts from marginalised or historically disadvantaged groups. In this post, we reflect on the publication of David Eckstein, "Towards More Strategic Inclusion. Students with Disability and WIL". In his paper, Eckstein examines the transition from university to the workforce and the additional challenges for students who have a disability. Despite the acknowledged benefits of WIL in enhancing employability, research shows that students with disabilities (SwD) are more likely to encounter unemployment or underemployment post-graduation. Eckstein’s paper seeks to explore the barriers to providing inclusive WIL experiences for SwD and offers recommendations based on recent research findings. Eckstein’s findings indicate a significant gap between staff and SwD perceptions regarding career aspirations and challenges. SwD often feel reluctant to disclose their disabilities to employers, fearing discrimination or misconceptions about their abilities. Staff members, on the other hand, may lack confidence in providing effective career support for SwD and perceive a need for specialised expertise. The reluctance of SwD to disclose information about their abilities to WIL staff and employers can compromise their WIL experience and hinder their ability to fully engage with learning opportunities. Eckstein has also observed that staff members' lack of confidence and expertise in supporting SwD exacerbates the problem. To address these challenges, Eckstein proposes several strategies for advancing disability-inclusive WIL, including the following recommendations: 1. Embed disability inclusion throughout the WIL journey: Introductory information should explain the benefits of sharing disability information with employers and provide a career development context for doing so. Supervision, mid-placement check-ins, assessment, and reflection guidelines should consistently reinforce the importance of disability disclosure and the potential for enabling arrangements. 2. Empower SwD to lead discussions about workplace adjustments: Instead of assuming a passive role in negotiating accommodations, SwD should be encouraged to take an active role in advocating for their needs. This approach promotes student agency and fosters authentic engagement with the world of work. 3. Partner with employers to promote disability inclusion: Universities should collaborate with employers to create inclusive work environments that accommodate the diverse needs of SwD. Employers can benefit from recruiting talented individuals and removing inadvertent barriers to inclusion. Read the entire article: https://lnkd.in/g8Ntgsiv #WIL #workintegratedlearning #disability #equity #inclusion

“A disability doesn’t have to be a social barrier. Good etiquette begins with inclusion, not exclusion” -   Robert M. Hensel, Author Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) in collaboration with ChangeInkk Foundation is hosting a roundtable discussion on ‘Mainstreaming Inclusion of Students with Learning Disabilities’ on December 18, 2023 at Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) National Council of Educational Research and Training ( NCERT ), New Delhi. The roundtable will focus on strategies for supporting and empowering students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) such as Dyslexia. By building inclusive classrooms to support diverse student needs can help significantly improve learning outcomes of the school. The Panel will cover the following themes:  ·       Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities.  ·       Sharing Experiences of Individuals with SLDs.  ·       Remedial Support & Accommodations ·       Framework for Inclusive Teaching Strategies  ·       Leveraging Technology in Classrooms.   About the panelists:                      1.    Noopur Jhunjhunwala, Co-Founder & Trustee, Changeinkk Foundation. She is a life-long advocate of building equitable and inclusive societies, with extensive experience of working for the advancement of gender equality, financial inclusion, education, digital inclusion, and accessibility.  2.  suhana bhutani, 2nd Year Medical Student at Lady Hardinge Medical College 3.  Dr. Geet Oberoi, Founder of Orkids Foundation. She has a doctorate on efficacy of remedial intervention in SLDs. Her principal areas of expertise include assessment and remediation for children with special needs and professional development courses for instructors. She runs remedial centers in the NCR region, both for the State Government and for schools.  5.  Anuradha Joshi, Principal at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya  6.  Arun Fernandez, Founder of Dlearners, a PaaS platform which is created to support children with specific learning disabilities (SLD).  7.  aparajita singh, Lead (HEI & AT), ChangeInkk This isn’t just an event; it's an anthem of inclusivity, a beacon of aspiration for educators, parents, and students worldwide. It's a testament to our collective commitment to sculpt a world where every individual's brilliance finds its spotlight. #inclusionmatters #changeinkktheconversation #dei #inclusivity #innovationinclusion