New event empowers Buffalo State community in supporting neurodiverse students

Neurodiversity, the idea that there is natural variation in how each person’s brain works, encompasses conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and more. It’s estimated that anywhere between 10 and 30 percent of students in higher education are neurodivergent. 

These students, who learn and process information differently, often struggle in traditional academic settings, which can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and isolation. Faculty and and staff members may feel uncertain about how to best accommodate diverse learning needs. Institutions face the challenges of adapting existing systems and structures to create a truly inclusive environment and effectively supporting neurodiverse students.

This month, Buffalo State is rising to meet these challenges with a new event: NeuroDiverse Ed: Empowering Educators, Supporting Students.

Ashley Maracle, director of care and support in the Buffalo State Dean of Students’ Office; co-chair of the Care Team; and NeuroDiverse Ed event organizer, said that the event was inspired by clear need.

“We noticed that we were receiving referrals related to neurodiverse students,” she said. “Faculty and staff want to provide support but are feeling the need for information and guidance on how to do that.”

The Buffalo State community is encouraged to attend this free event on March 25 to gain that knowledge and guidance. Speakers and panelists include:

• Kendra Evans, Director of the Spectrum Support Program and the Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative at the Rochester Institute of Technology;
• Amy Ruffino, owner of Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids; 
• David Herring from Neurodiversity Network of WNY; 
• Kathy Doody, professor in Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education Department.

Participants can expect to receive information about practical ways to create supportive and inclusive environments for all students.

We caught up with Maracle as she put the finishing touches on preparations for next week’s event. 

How does this event align with Buffalo State’s commitment to inclusivity?
All students can benefit from implementing ways to support neurodiversity. Students learn and process information in various ways, even discounting any formal diagnoses. Creating classrooms, residence halls, and other spaces on campus that are supportive of neurodiversity will hopefully foster a sense of community, of compassion, and of caring. Administration, faculty, staff, and student leaders all have roles to play in community-building, and NeuroDiverse Ed aims to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to do so.

Who is this event for? 
This event is for anyone in a position to support students—faculty, staff, student leaders, etc.—but I’d like to encourage everyone, even if you don’t have much direct interaction with students, to come and learn about neurodiversity and creating inclusive spaces. Neurodiversity is a spectrum, and if we create inclusive environments, it will benefit all students. 

What key takeaways do you hope participants leave with?
Participants will hopefully leave with greater understanding of neurodiversity as well as concrete ways that they can support our students.

Is this the start of an ongoing initiative? 
I see this as the beginning of conversations, planning, and hopefully more events. I hope that this sparks a sense of curiosity among our campus community to think creatively about how we can support all students.

NeuroDiverse Ed: Empowering Educators, Supporting Students is presented by Student Accessibility Services, the Dean of Students’ Office Care Team, and Weigel Health Counseling Center and takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. To register, complete the online form.