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.
Search Results for:
Why I Prefer Identity First Language
This blog post explores the preference for identity-first language among autistic individuals, highlighting the significance of embracing this language to promote inclusivity, respect, and empowerment within the autistic community. #IdentityFirstLanguage #AutisticPride #InclusiveLanguage #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #SelfAdvocacy #RespectfulCommunication #AutisticCommunity #Empowerment #NeurodivergentVoices #actuallyautistic Introduction Language is powerful in shaping our perceptions and attitudes...
The Toxic Influence of Ableist Language
From a young age, I realized that my brain operated differently. My thoughts danced in intricate patterns, my senses heightened, and my passions ignited with intensity. Yet, as I ventured into the world, I encountered a disheartening reality—a world that viewed my neurodivergent traits as deficits to be fixed, hurdles...
The Power of Language
Labeling someone as having “special needs” diminishes their inherent worth and humanity. It carries with it an underlying implication that we are somehow different, separate, and in need of special treatment. But let me be clear: we are not “special needs.” We are individuals with unique abilities, strengths, and dreams....
Concurrent Session During the Summer Institute for Educators at Landmark College
How to Create Space for Neurodivergent Learners Active learning, collaboration, inquiry-based activities, and open design with classroom neighborhoods have replaced dusty library stacks, rows of forward-facing desks, and dog-eared textbooks. While this has been beautiful for many students, these changes come with new challenges for many neurodivergent learners. Classrooms have become so...
The 9th Annual CAST UDL Symposium: Through the Lens of UDL
I will be presenting in-person at the 9th Annual CAST UDL Symposium at the Westin Denver Downtown in Colorado. Dates Monday, July 31 – Tuesday, August 1, 2023 How are you addressing the Symposium theme, UDL as the Lens? Many people underestimate the role that internalized shame plays in Neurodivergent...
It All Started With a Book
As much vitriol as I have for Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-time,” I am also incredibly thankful and indebted to this book. A few years back I was asked to teach a class that is not part of my regular rotation, and this novel...