Neurodiversity – awareness and celebration.
It’s time for a round up but by no means, is this the end of our work, learning, raising awareness or initiating conversations about Neurodiversity.
During our time developing our awareness events (since October 2023) we have developed a suite of self-serving resources (due to be updated again Summer 2025) to inform and educate around some topics falling within the Neurodiverse world. You can engage with these toolkits (as well as other wonderful toolkits) through our webpages.
Social Awareness
If you engaged with the social media content (still available on Instagram – Neurodiversity Celebration Week 25 – Embrace Support Empower 2024) or attended any of the workshops or activities, you will remember the variety of content including information sessions, guest speakers and polls. We were so thrilled to receive great feedback and engagement however we still have room to grow.
Over this period, we have seen the development of the Neurodiversity network and continue to reflect on Inclusive teaching, learning and support related practice and the growth of our Staff Accessibility network. Not only this, work continues within wider university networks of advocates to further improve student journeys.
Each of these things are a branch on the tree, a puzzle piece, a line and dots on the journey to improved inclusive practice and positive outcomes for students and staff experiences at EHU.
Neurodiversity Events
During our events, our main focus has been to start or continue conversations. Not only around what neurodiversity is but also to discuss brains in general and what we all need as individuals, to function and thrive.
During our October and January events, we wanted to give students and staff an opportunity to share whatever words that came to mind when discussing learning, cognitive and sensory needs. In October 2023, this was ‘Step into Study Skills’ and in October 2024 this was ‘Show us Your brain’ (this activity was repeated at St James’ in January and during World Mental health day events with Student Life colleagues). Colleagues were blown away by the engagement and it was not only a chance to share strategies about approaching university life but also one to spread positive and spirit lifting words to staff and students.
This included contributions to the ‘Positivitrees’ in the form of paper labels completed by those engaging in the activity and speaking with the SpLD team. We have been loving reading them all and thought we’d share some.
“Try to do something for 10 minutes… if you’re confident, amazing… If you’re not, you’ve still done 10 minutes”
“Don’t plan around your schedule, plan around you. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Plan around when you work best”
“Trial and error. try and try again. Never give up”
“Don’t fight against your brain – allow you to be you”
“You are not alone. Find your resources, people, tribe”
“Find out who your departmental Inclusion/SPLD lead is and talk to them”
“Access library support – it helped me keep on target with deadlines. It helped me over learn and retain information (built the skills)”
“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Just know, people are here for you”
“if you can’t control it, don’t stress about it. Focus on the now.”
“Be kind to yourself. You are unique, 1 in so many a human beans. Embrace your learning difference”
“Know yourself first”
We’re not crying, you are!
Not only do these words highlight who is providing support but also reminds us of how great you all are.
If you’re interested in attending (and want to request to participate in anything specific) or collaborating with us for events in 2025/2026 – email us.
We’re looking forward to developing the next event and engaging with you when you join us 🙂
