Designing Neuroinclusive Learning Environments

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Webinar Description:

It is estimated that approximately 30% of learners in your classroom have some form of neurodivergence such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia (Conditt, 2020). These individuals are gifted with a unique way of viewing the world and processing information. However, they face the challenge of learning in environments that were not designed to accommodate their natural differences. Neurodivergent learners have unique skills and abilities that set them apart from their neurotypical counterparts. If supported effectively, neurodivergent learners tend to excel, especially in the STEAM fields, and their skills can lead to significant contributions in these areas. 

Providing adequate accommodations is not straightforward because numerous individuals may not even have an official diagnosis. In fact, there are many cases in which people haven’t recognized their neurodivergence until adulthood (Polyzoi, Ahnemark, Medin, & Ginsberg, 2018; Happe & Frith, 2020). This makes it even more critical that, as educators, we take the necessary steps to ensure their time in academia truly does accommodate every learner. Join us for an engaging webinar to learn various strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners and creating neuro-inclusive learning environments. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Discuss how the three key areas of executive functioning (inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility) impact learning within the classroom
  • Recognize strengths and challenges associated with neurodivergence
  • Examine strategies for supporting the three areas of executive functioning in neurodivergent learners

Intended Audience: 

  • JEDI advocates (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion)
  • Accessibility support specialists
  • Instructional designers
  • Faculty and instructors
  • Librarians
Speaker Bio
Megan Kohler
Megan Kohler

Learning Designer – Pennsylvania State University

Megan Kohler is a Learning Designer with the John A. Dutton e-Education Institute at Penn State. She has presented at international conferences, such as Open Ed 2010 in Barcelona, Spain, the International Conference on Arts and Humanities in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Online Learning Consortium in Orlando, Florida. Megan relies on her training and experience as a professional actor to create a fun and engaging experience within her presentations and design work. Among her professional accomplishments, she is recognized for her work as the lead instructional designer and project manager on Penn State’s highly-rated Epidemics MOOC. She conceptualized the MOOCs by Design Webinar series and served as the pedagogical lead for the Penn State Digital Badges Initiative. She continues to explore interesting opportunities focused on improving the online learning experience for higher education.
Tracy Balduzzi
Tracy Balduzzi

Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives – Syracuse University

Tracy Balduzzi is the Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives at Syracuse University and an adjunct lecturer at Utica University. Tracy’s work focuses on academic and social development in graduate education across all modalities. She has presented her work at conferences such as the Teaching Professor Conference, Business Research Consortium, Online Learning Consortium, and DigarcU. A graduate of the Mohawk Valley Leadership program and the Upstate Leadership Academy, she values both formal and informal learning opportunities and continues to work to provide these opportunities at the graduate level in higher education.