Agenda
Day 1: Wednesday, August 14th
University of Washington Campus
Husky Union Building
8:00am – 9:00am: Networking Breakfast
Open networking breakfast with fellow participants.
9:00am – 9:45am: Welcome, Introductions, and Day 1 & 2 Agenda
Eric Trekell, NNL Program Operations Specialist
Scott Bellman, NNL Project Principal Investigator
Overtoun Jenda, TAPDINTO-STEM Principal Investigator
This session will include introductions, an overview of the Institute agenda, and a welcome message from organizers. Participants have an opportunity to get to know each other, ask questions, and introduce themselves to the group if they would like.
9:45am – 10:00am: Break
10:00am – 10:45am: Unique Strengths of Neurodivergent Learners
Toby Gallant, Program Assistant, Office of the ADA Coordinator
Christine Lew, Access Coordinator, UW Disability Resources for Students Office
During this interactive session, we will talk about the unique strengths among students attending the conference and review the literature about the strengths of Neurodiverse Learners. We will draft a “tips” sheet for faculty to help them better understand how to provide learning environments that tap into student strengths.
10:45am – 11:00am: Break
11:00pm – 11:45am: Leadership & Advocacy: Providing Input to Educators
Dr. Brianna Blaser, Director & Co-PI, AccessComputing, DO-IT Center
During this session, students will collaborate to further develop NNL publications for high school and postsecondary educators. The publications, informed by the voices of neurodivergent STEM students, describe strategies to better support neurodivergent students on campus.
11:45am – 12:00pm Group Photo
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Networking Lunch and Discussion
Over lunch, participants will enjoy networking opportunities as they further discuss how they can bring accessibility back to their departments and campus centers.
Lunch Discussion Question: What would you want a college-bound neurodivergent high school student to know as they get ready for college? If you could contact your younger self as a high school student, what would you tell them about navigating the experiences they might have as neurodivergent learner?
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Unlocking Potential: Leadership and Advocacy for Neuro-Inclusive Employment
Dr. Laurie Ackles, Executive Director of the Washington Neurodiversity Project
Neurodivergent leadership and advocacy are essential in fostering workplaces and educational environments that are not only more inclusive but also more innovative and equitable. By bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront, neurodivergent voices play a pivotal role in shaping the frameworks that promote inclusivity and redefine the very essence of effective leadership. This presentation will explore the unique strengths neurodivergent leaders bring to the table, and how these strengths can transform the future of education and employment for everyone.
2:00pm – 2:15pm: Break
2:15pm – 3:30pm: Tabletop Discussions with Neurodivergent Professionals
Rochelle Bowyer, DO-IT Center Staff
In table groups, participants will meet with neurodivergent professionals from academia, startup companies, and industry. There will be prepared questions; students are encouraged to ask questions of their own.
3:30pm – 3:45pm: Wrap up and Announcements
Eric Trekell, NNL Project Coordinator
A short wrap-up of the day’s activities and announcements before heading off for dinner.
4:00pm – 7:00pm: Dinner Break
Keep your receipts from dinner! You will need them for reimbursement.
7:00pm – 9:00pm: Networking at the HUB Bowling Alley and Game Room
Eric Trekell, NNL Project Coordinator
Join us at the Husky Union Building for a private party at the bowling alley and game room. Attend this event to have some fun and connect with fellow participants.
Day 2: Thursday, August 15th
University of Washington Campus
Husky Union Building
8:00am – 8:30 am: Networking Breakfast
8:30am – 10:00am: Advocacy and Empowerment through Student Groups
Nathalie Moriarty
University of California Davis Aggie Neurodiversity Community
A PhD student in Psychology and a leader of the UC Davis Aggie Neurodiversity Community group, Nathalie will present about organizing student groups and communities on campus. We will hear from conference attendees about clubs and student groups on their campus, and discuss plans for the creation of new groups.
10:00am – 10:15am: Break
10:30am – 11:30am: Understanding Impostor Syndrome
Drew King, Ability Student Group, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
This workshop is presented by Ability, a student group at the Allen School at UW dedicated to disability community and accessibility awareness. This session will delve into “imposter syndrome,” exploring issues such as questioning if you're "disabled enough" for accommodations, or feeling that the disability community isn’t your space, even if you face challenges related to a disability. As we talk, students are encouraged to make a creative design on your table out of various types of dry pasta.
11:30am – 11:45am: Evaluation of the Institute (Brief Survey)
11:45am – 12:45pm: Networking Lunch and Wrap Up
Over lunch, participants will enjoy networking opportunities as they further discuss how they can bring accessibility back to their departments and campus centers.
Lunch Discussion Question:
What are examples of new activities that neurodivergent students can implement on their campuses to help build skills and knowledge about teaching neurodivergent learners?
1:00pm: Adjourn
INSIST 2024 Welcome Session
Eric Trekell, NNL Program Operations Specialist
Scott Bellman, NNL Project Principal Investigator
Overtoun Jenda, TAPDINTO-STEM Principal Investigator
