Isaac Akinde’s Post

Well, well, well, we are now at day 4 of the Neurodiversity in Education CIC conference and I must say its been great to be a part of something so rewarding, we have had some great sessions. Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting a webinar presentation by my Amazing wife Frances Akinde on 'Artificial Intelligence in Educational Context'. We don't usually get a chance to work together, so it was great we were able to do so at this conference. I must say, and believe me I'm not being biased, it was such a great session, the information, tips and resources shared on the webinar will help reduce your workload at work or in education immensely. If you missed it don't you worry yourself peeps!, you can watch it back on the link below: https://lnkd.in/ev7TBk8P or go to our website: https://lnkd.in/eCgRsYbP Today I will be hosting a panel discussion at 7.30pm (uk time), the topic is Neurodiversity and Ethnicity. Yes I know its a late one but it will be a great discussion. Join me and my great panellist Marius Frank, Lynn McCann, Irene O., Joshua Blackwell for an insightful panel talk on the neurodivergence and ethnicity within education. Our panel will explore the unique challenges, experiences, and opportunities for individuals at the crossroads of these two important aspects of diversity. Gain valuable insights and perspectives on creating inclusive and supportive environments for all students and educators. Below is the link to the panel discussion. https://lnkd.in/eKgVMDKy See you all at 7.30pm...

Announcing the Inaugural Neurodiversity in Education CIC Conference! I am pleased as punch to be co-chairing the 'Neurodiversity in Education Conference', alongside the brilliant NiE CIC founder Simon Preston BSc. MBA FCMI and the marvellous fellow directors Rachel Öner FSET QTLS ATS CTeach CMALT and Isaac Akinde We are excited to invite you to the Neurodiversity in Education Conference, taking place from 30/09/24 to 04/10/24. This groundbreaking event will explore neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and inclusion across all stages of the education sector, from compulsory education to Prison Education. What to Expect: ▪ A holistic and inclusive approach to neurodiversity for both learners and the teaching workforce. ▪ Live sessions and pre-recorded interviews with neurodiversity advocates, academics, teachers, trainers, and practitioners working in an education setting. ▪ Insights into the lived experiences of neurodivergent teachers and former students. Practical, solution-based sessions focusing on workplace change and reasonable adjustments. Our ethos is deeply rooted in the neurodiversity paradigm, with an emphasis on identity-first language, empowerment, and the autonomy of neurodivergent individuals. We advocate for inclusive practices that truly reflect the diversity of learners and educators in today’s education sector. Whether you're an educator, academic, advocate, or simply passionate about fostering inclusive environments, this conference will provide invaluable perspectives and actionable insights. Join us for this vital conversation on neurodiversity in education! Stay tuned over the next fortnight for more information on the exciting lineup, including details on how you can join us, and contribute to the discussion and debates! #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Education #Neurodivergent #WorkplaceChange #Empowerment #ReasonableAdjustments #EducationForAll #Neurodivergence #NeurodivergentTeachers

✨ Exciting Neurodiversity Initiatives from the University of Adelaide! ✨ With all the incredible work we’re doing in The Diversified Project at UNSW, it’s truly inspiring to see other universities leading similar initiatives like this one from the University of Adelaide. The Neurodiversity Project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when neurodivergent students are provided with community-focused, neuro-affirming study skill workshops. It serves as a reminder that neurodivergent students should never feel isolated or alone. The ADCET - Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training webinar will focus on how the Neurodiversity Project at the University of Adelaide has begun running specialised study skill workshops for neurodivergent students. These workshops take a neuro-affirming approach, allowing students to reflect on their experiences as neurodivergent learners and helping them develop practical strategies for their academic journey. Tiana Blazevic, the Disability Support Project Officer and a neurodivergent educator will share feedback from students who have participated in the program. Many have expressed how these workshops have not only reduced feelings of isolation but also helped them build a sense of community. At the same time, students are gaining new skills to better manage their studies. Importantly, these workshops provide multiple ways to participate, ensuring that students can engage without increasing their social anxiety. The webinar will also cover: • How to create neuro-affirming workshop spaces that meet the diverse needs of neurodivergent students. • The importance of critical reflection worksheets and other practical tools to help students better understand their neurodivergent strengths. • The broader goal of establishing peer mentoring programs to further support these students. At The Diversified Project, we’re pushing towards this level of inclusive training and workshop facilitation, but to get there, we need more support and funding. This kind of initiative is crucial in recognising the diverse needs of students and ensuring that everyone has the tools and community to thrive in academia. It’s amazing to hear how Tiana Blazevic is leading this charge with a compassionate, neurodivergent-led approach, fostering both skills and connections for students. 🧠 Let’s continue to support neurodivergent students and strive for more initiatives like this across all universities. Together, we can create a more accessible, inclusive environment for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about this initiative, be sure to check out the free ADCET webinar happening on 30 October. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gFm6Tn_c Let’s keep pushing for progress! 💪💫 #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #DiversifiedProject #StudentSupport #StudySkills #UniversityLife #UNSW #ADCET

Congratulations to Meghan Cosier, Ph.D. and Audri Sandoval Gomez, Ph.D from TPI, for there recent publication, How to create an inclusive campus for neurodivergent students, published in Times Higher Education. Read the article here to learn more about creating inclusive colleges: https://lnkd.in/gevxCTxK Attallah College of Educational Studies

Did you catch yesterday’s #edWebinar Embracing Neurodiversity: The Impact of an Educational Diagnosis on the Sense of Belonging and Learning Experience? Thanks to Educating All Learners Alliance!

Join Educating All Learners Alliance for an upcoming #edWebinar Embracing Neurodiversity: The Impact of an Educational Diagnosis on the Sense of Belonging and Learning Experience https://lnkd.in/eihvxmc4

THE Campus | How to create an inclusive campus for neurodivergent students Training, consultation and embracing UDL are a few actions that university leaders, faculty and staff can use to support different ways of thinking and learning on campus. https://bit.ly/43MgbGU

Dive into how we can better Understand and Support Neurodivergent Youth in this upcoming online professional development session hosted by Arts For All. When: Friday, April 26, 2024 at 4:30pm-6:00pm OR Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 3:30pm-5:00pm Where: Virtual This “Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Youth” training, presented by Empowered Pathways LLC, will provide an overview of neurodiversity, allowing participants to understand this complex concept in practical terms based on contemporary evidence. Specific strategies for supporting neurodivergent youth, including during times of dysregulation and hyperarousal, will be explained. The training will also include time for discussion, where participants can share their experiences and apply training principles to real life case examples. Participants will also receive a list of resources and tools to support the implementation of neurodiversity-affirming strategies. For more information & to register for the 4/26 session: https://lnkd.in/eru2_UaU For more information & to register for the 5/4 session: https://lnkd.in/eAyqTAqC Please note that there is limited availability. First come, first serve #artsforallnyc #arts #education #teachingartist #selfconfidence #selfexpression #teamwork #resilience #creativity

I cannot emphasize enough how much colleges and universities must change to create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for neurodivergent students. We are failing neurodivergent students by insisting on traditional ways of teaching and reingorcing the expectations that all students learn the same way. An additional step is educating employers about neurodiversity and encouraging them to hire and support these very valuable individuals. We can do this. Society needs these exceptional individuals who may think and learn differently - but provide enormous value. #edreinvent #neurodiversity #executivefunctioning #adhd #autism #asd

Interesting read and area of interest for me.