Supporting Neurodiversity
Griffith College Learning Support and Griffith Library collaborated on hosting a National Forum seminar on promoting diversity and inclusion of neurodiverse students within Higher Education. The goal was to celebrate neurodiversity, and promote how it can be harnessed to encourage greater engagement and creativity within the learning environment.
This page houses the recording of the conference, and the Change One Thing repository of online resources, compiled to support further engagement in supporting neurodiverse students both inside and outside of the classroom.
Expert speakers, Fiona Ferris: Deputy CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity and Advocacy Organisation and Nicola James: CEO and founding director of Lexxic, discuss the many strengths of neurodiverse learners that can add to wider creativity within the classroom. They outline the challenges regularly faced by this cohort and consider how barriers can be addressed and supported.
Presentations
Nicola James: Empowering Neurodiverse Students
Fiona Ferris: Creating an Inclusive Culture at Third Level
Orla Butler, Learning Support Coordinator and Lecturer in Inclusive Curriculum Design on Griffith’s MA in Education, Learning and Development.
Dimphne Ní Bhraonáin, Deputy Librarian, Griffith College.
What does neurodiversity mean to you? Griffith learners who identify as neurodivergent were invited to submit words and phrases that convey to them the meaning of the term. Seminar attendees were also asked to consider their understanding of the term. The word clouds below compare these dual perspectives.
“This was a superb seminar that was conducted in an informal, inclusive manner. The two speakers were informative and insightful”
Very practical solutions offered that I can immediately implement into my work and engagement with students. “
“Change One Thing resource – excellent way to prompt and encourage action based on key points learned”
“identification of the variety of available resources and the contextualisation was hugely welcomed (and positive)”
“I will consult the open repository and more. I will be much more positive when dealing with students with neurodiverse differences.”
“An event like this really focusses and brings into the light, the energy required to affect real change in our institutions.”
It has given me a better understanding of the needs of my students and busted some of the ‘myths; around neurological differences.”
The Change One Thing repository was created to support the seminar. It is a collection of online resources supporting the implementation of practical, immediate changes to teaching practice in support of neurodiverse learners.
