Image Alternative Text: Depicted is a rainbow infinity symbol in soft shades of yellow, orange, red, green, and blue, against a gradient background in soft shades of green and blue. The text surrounding the symbol reads, "Neurodiversity Understanding" and below the symbol reads, "At Rowan University, we recognize mind differences as natural human variation and as valuable." The Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) logo and website link to "go.rowan.edu/dei" are positioned at the bottom of the graphic.
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Neurodiversity Culture and Understanding at Rowan University
At Rowan University, we are proud to recognize mind differences as natural human variation and as valuable. Foundational to the Center for Neurodiversity at Rowan University—a department that is part of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)—are shared tenets of neurodiversity culture:
- valuing neurological differences as diversity and one of many aspects of identity,
- recognizing that a variety of minds benefits society,
- viewing neurodivergence from a strength perspective, and
- understanding that neurodiversity and disability co-exist.
Accessibility and Inclusion Lounge for Academic Faculty and Staff
Please join the Center for Neurodiversity in the fully virtual "Accessibility and Inclusion Lounge," a resource hub for academic faculty and staff. Here, a welcoming and inclusive environment for faculty and staff is provided, and important information is delivered regarding accommodations for neurodivergent students, and other topics.
Meetings are held via Zoom every Friday from 12pm to 1pm, and are hosted and facilitated by an interdisciplinary leadership team comprised of staff members from the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), Autism PATH (Preparation and Achievement in the Transition to Hire) Program, and Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Upcoming meeting topics this month include, "Who are Rowan's Twice Exceptional (2e) Students?" on Friday, February 16, 2024; and "Understanding ADHD" on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Meeting information is available via the flyer here. For questions pertaining to meetings and topics, please email John Woodruff, Senior Director of Accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator; and Co-Director, Center for Neurodiversity, at woodruff@rowan.edu.
"Crip Camp" Screening and Discussion with Scholar-in-Residence
On Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 4pm to 6:30pm, the Center for Neurodiversity will host a fully virtual screening of "Crip Camp," a film that covers the history of a community of adolescents with disabilities who became disability rights activists. The film screening will be followed by an educational discussion (starting at 6pm) about ableism led by the Center for Neurodiversity scholar-in-residence, Zosia Zaks.
Event information is available via the flyer here. For questions pertaining to the event, please email Dr. Casey Woodfield, Assistant Professor of Wellness and Inclusive Services in Education (WISE) at the Rowan University College of Education (COE), at woodfield@rowan.edu.
Related Links:
- Learn more about the Center for Neurodiversity here.
- Learn more about the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) here.
- Learn more about the Autism PATH (Preparation and Achievement in the Transition to Hire) Program here.
- Learn more about the Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning here.
With gratitude to the DEI Council and academic faculty and staff across Rowan colleges, schools, and departments, who supported development of the educational resource, "Recognizing, Celebrating, and Supporting All People Who Identify as Neurodivergent and/or Disabled," in October of 2023:
- An overview of terms related to neurodivergence and disabilities is provided here.
- Information on health equity; barriers that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) with disabilities experience; and ADA protections for people with substance use disorder (SUD) who are in recovery is available here.
- Information on disability rights activists and figures important to the neurodivergent, disability justice, and recovery communities is available here.
- Support services and resources for undergraduate and graduate students on Rowan's Glassboro campus; graduate students, medical students, and medical residents from the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU); and Rowan faculty and staff are available here.
- Information on employment and educational resources available to the general public is available here.
Follow the Rowan University Division of DEI:
- Instagram: instagram.com/rowandei
- Facebook: facebook.com/rowandei
- X/Twitter: twitter.com/rowandei
- Threads: threads.net/@rowandei