Presenters: Anirudh Subramaniam (Student, The Ohio State University) and Andrew Buck, PhD (Research Scientist, Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

This presentation examines the prospects of a faculty and staff, self-paced, neurodiversity training program that is informed by literature, survey research, and student voice. The purpose of the training program is to promote awareness of neurodiversity and neurodivergence and cultivate neuroinclusive pedagogy amongst faculty and staff members, in order to foster an accessible, inclusive, safe, and equitable learning environment for all students. Research suggests that postsecondary educators lack awareness of issues experienced by students with disabilities and confidence in teaching neurodiverse/neurodivergent (ND/NDT) learners. Preliminary survey results indicate that educators at a select institute of higher education were less likely to agree that their ND/NDT students are truly succeeding, understanding and applying concepts, and communicating easily with them. While laws enforce academic accommodations for students with disabilities, there is still a need to create conducive classrooms that meet the needs of ND/NDT college students and adult learners who choose not to disclose their disability. Ensuring that faculty and staff integrate neuroinclusive pedagogy into their practice is essential to advance equitable educational outcomes for all students.