Workshop 1: Introduction to Neurodiversity in Higher Education: History, Theory, and First-Person Perspectives
February 13, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

This workshop, the first part of a two-part series, introduces teachers and staff in higher education to the history, politics, and key terms of neurodiversity, emphasizing their relevance to education. Participants will explore the origins of neurodiversity in the autistic advocacy movement and learn the histories and definitions of key terms such as “neurodiversity,” “neurodivergent,” and “neurotypical.” Participants will also engage with first-person perspectives from neurodivergent students and staff in higher education, gaining insight with the diversity of neurodivergent experiences.

Reflection opportunities will encourage participants to consider how understanding the history of neurodiversity may reshape their perspectives on its role in their classrooms. Suggested resources for further study of neurodiversity concepts and specific conditions/experiences (like Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more) will be provided.

This foundational workshop prepares participants for the practical applications explored in Workshop 2.

Workshop 2: Applying Your Knowledge of Neurodiversity in Teaching, Learning, and Advising

February 27, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

In this workshop, participants will begin with an overview of the range of laws and policies governing disability inclusion in higher education, with a focus on their connection to neurodiversity. Using a series of complex case studies, participants will practice navigating scenarios involving neurodiversity in the classroom and other learning spaces, including situations in where disabilities are disclosed or remain undisclosed.

The session will also provide opportunities for participants to reflect on their own relationship to neurodiversity and to set actionable goals for fostering greater inclusion in their teaching, learning, and advising practices. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical strategies, this workshop equips participants to create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals in higher education.

Registration Coming Soon

This session will be recorded, archived, and made available publicly on BCcampus.ca. By participating in this session, you acknowledge you are aware your participation will be recorded and the recording will be openly available.

Facilitator

Your facilitator for the two-part workshop series is Sarah Silverman.
Sarah Silverman, PhD is an independent faculty developer and instructor of disability studies. As an autistic educator, she has a personal stake in neurodiversity as well as extensive college teaching and faculty development experience. Her interests include accessible and feminist pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and disability-informed critiques of educational technology. Her writings appear in To Improve the Academy, the Journal of Interactive Technology and Pedagogy, the blog Feminist Pedagogy for Teaching Online, New Directions for Teaching and Learning, and on her newsletter Beyond the Scope.