In this series, participants will look carefully at the language around neurodiversity, including buzzwords and popular terminology, to consider how best to honor and reflect the experiences of being a student in an educational culture that is still evolving to meet diverse needs. They will explore the power and impact of centering students and supporting families. Finally, participants will hear from expert panelists representing several disciplines to gain insight into common misconceptions, miscommunications, and challenges that occur in collaborative work. Participants will leave inspired to engage in ongoing learning, and contribute to the success and wellbeing of every student.

Date:

February 20 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Price:

$675

Topics:

Neurodiversity & Inclusion

Instructor(s):

Danielle Kent & Kelly Cray

Event Type:

Virtual

Professional Learning Hours:

15

Intended Audience:

Educators and other professionals whose work impacts students from early childhood through grade 12 and beyond.

• February 20, 2026

• March 27, 2026

• April 17, 2026

Participants will:

• Build an understanding of the buzzwords and popular trends that exist in neurodiversity discourse
• Understand evidence-based practices and suss out ideas that have popular appeal but are not backed by research
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with professionals who may have differing views on neurodiversity
• Begin to develop a toolbox of affirming practices that invites and honors access needs

Participants will:

• Understand the importance of student and family participation in the educational process and when/why deference to the student is crucial
• Learn to navigate situations where the student’s needs or preferences may be at odds with the family’s
• Apply principles of Universal Design for Learning to remove unnecessary communication and participation barriers with professionals, family members, and the student
• Continue to develop a toolbox of affirming practices to invite and honor access needs

Participants will:

• Explore the challenges that can arise in collaboration across professional disciplines and perspectives
• Gain new insight into the student and family experience
• Demystify the practices and vocabulary specific to individual professional disciplines
• Build understanding of assessment types used by various professionals and how data from different sources can be appropriately used to inform decision-making

In addition to the three workshop days, course takers will complete readings and engage with recommended content; complete reflections and analyses; engage asynchronously with peers to help synthesize new learning; participate in optional additional meetings with the course instructors; engage in field work while applying course concepts; and produce a culminating artifact demonstrating evolution of professional practice.