Conference Schedule

This higher education panel brings together representatives from different universities who are actively engaged in creating inclusive programming on their campuses. Each panelist will share their unique approaches, discussing lessons learned and best practices for supporting neurodivergent students in academic settings. Attendees will gain insights into various models and strategies that can be adapted for their own institutional contexts.

Takeaways from this session:

• Learn diverse programming models – Discover different approaches to neurodiversity support across various university settings and understand how to adapt successful strategies to your institution’s unique needs.
• Identify implementation strategies – Gain practical insights into overcoming common challenges when launching or expanding neurodiversity initiatives, including resource allocation and stakeholder buy-in.
• Build best practice toolkit – Collect proven best practices and lessons learned from experienced practitioners to enhance existing programs or guide new initiative development

Panelists: Michael Lewis (NU), Kathyrn Greenslade (UNH), Rachel Adams (UMASS), Wes Garton (Delaware), Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin (URI) & Vanessa Harwood (URI)
Moderator: Cinthia Satornino

Room: 010C

The workplace contains unconscious biases that can create additional challenges for neurodivergent employees, often preventing them from reaching their full potential. This session focuses on identifying and addressing these hidden barriers to create more inclusive work environments. Jamell Mitchell shares his experience as a global leader at EY and his expertise in neurodiversity in the workplace, offering practical strategies for unlearning bias and unlocking employee potential. 

Takeaways from this session:

• Recognize unconscious workplace biases – Identify common biases that impact neurodivergent employees and understand how these assumptions limit opportunities and performance.
• Develop bias interruption strategies – Learn practical techniques to interrupt unconscious bias in hiring, performance evaluation, and day-to-day workplace interactions.
• Create inclusive systems and processes – Implement organizational changes that reduce bias and create environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive and contribute their unique strengths.

Room: 025C

Brief Description:
This session explores how shifting from deficit-based models to strength-based frameworks can transform curriculum design and pedagogical practice in neurodiverse learning environments. Drawing from research and lived experiences in engineering education, we will examine how educators can design learning experiences that recognize and leverage cognitive diversity as an asset. Participants will engage with practical strategies to create more inclusive, responsive, and empowering classrooms.

Takeaways from this session:

• Understand the principles of strength-based pedagogy and how they contrast with deficit-based approaches.

• Explore how embracing cognitive diversity can enhance student engagement, creativity, and problem-solving across disciplines.

• Learn practical strategies for designing curriculum and instruction that leverages the strengths of neurodiverse learners.

Room: 010C

This session features industry professionals and innovative thinkers who have successfully created neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces within their organizations. Participants will hear key insights about lessons learned and gain practical knowledge about how these proven strategies can be applied to various workplace settings. The discussion will explore why neurodiversity inclusion is imperative for the success of the future workplace and how organizations can position themselves as leaders in this essential area.

Takeaway from this session:

• Learn proven implementation strategies – Discover practical, tested approaches for creating neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces based on real-world experiences from industry leaders.
• Understand business case and benefits – Gain insights into why neurodiversity inclusion is critical for future workplace success, including competitive advantages and organizational benefits.
• Apply actionable solutions – Acquire concrete tools and strategies that can be immediately implemented in your organization to advance neurodiversity inclusion efforts.

Panelists: Jeff Cowgill (JP Morgan Chase), Shea Belsky (Hubspot), Richard Booth (Brown University), & Jamell Mitchell (EY), Tiffany Treacy (Microsoft)
Moderator: Erik Brenner

Room: 025C

Takeaways from this session:

• Be able to identify real motivations from optics-based, surface-level motivations 

• See how all of the major controversies are often interconnected, and not separate issues

• Be able to understand the tactics used by motivated participants

Moderator: Erik Brenner

Room: 010C

Microsoft has operated a successful neurodiversity hiring program for over 10 years, creating a truly inclusive working environment that serves as a model for other organizations. This session explores how Microsoft has built and sustained their program, sharing the strategies and practices that have made them a leader in neurodiversity inclusion. Additionally, participants will learn about Microsoft’s innovative use of Copilot AI to assist neurodivergent employees in the workplace, demonstrating how technology can enhance accessibility and productivity.

Takeaways from this session:

• Master long-term program sustainability – Learn how Microsoft has maintained and evolved their neurodiversity hiring program over a decade, including key strategies for long-term success and continuous improvement.
• Create inclusive workplace culture – Discover practical methods for building an inclusive environment that supports neurodivergent employees while benefiting the entire organization.
• Leverage AI for accessibility – Understand how to implement AI tools like Copilot to enhance workplace accessibility and productivity for neurodivergent employees, creating more supportive work environments.

Moderator: Gregory Abowd (NU COE Dean)

Room: 025C

Key Takeaways:

Participants will explore Neurodivergence as a normal variation in brain development and not a deficit.

Participants will explore the benefits of a Neurodivergent workforce.

Participants will learn approaches and  practices for a more inclusive workforce.

Room: 040

This session showcases cutting-edge research being conducted at universities regarding neurodiversity in the workplace, highlighting groundbreaking findings and innovative approaches. Participants will gain insights into what has been learned from recent studies and how this research is shaping our understanding of neurodivergent employees and inclusive workplace practices. The discussion will also explore promising directions for future research and how these findings can inform evidence-based workplace strategies.

Takeaways from this session:

• Access latest research findings – Discover current research insights about neurodiversity in the workplace, including data on productivity, retention, and the impact of inclusive practices.
• Understand evidence-based strategies – Learn how research findings can inform and validate workplace neurodiversity initiatives, providing a solid foundation for program development and implementation.
• Explore future research directions – Gain awareness of emerging research areas and trends that will shape the future of neurodiversity in the workplace, helping organizations stay ahead of developments in the field.

Panelists: Kathryn Greenslade (UNH), Jan Coplan (Landmark), and Leanne Chukoskie (NU)

Moderator: Cinthia Satornino (UNH)

Room: 010C

The transition from high school to higher education represents a significant milestone that can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent students navigating new academic, social, and independence expectations. This session brings together professionals with expertise in supporting neurodivergent students during this critical period. Participants will learn key insights and practical strategies for creating more effective, supportive transition processes that set students up for success in their higher education journey.

Takeaways from this session:

• What are the obstacles to this transition
• How do these obstacles play out on campus for both students and staff
• What are some needed strategies to change the process

Speaker: Lee Williams (CAN)

Room: 040

The physical work environment plays a crucial role in enabling employees to maximize their work experience and productivity, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. This session features insights from a commercial real estate company, an architect, and a university facility department who have successfully designed workspaces to be more neuroinclusive. Participants will learn the how and why behind these design decisions and discover strategies for creating environments that support diverse neurological needs and enhance overall workplace effectiveness.

Takeaways from this session:

• Understand neuroinclusive design principles – Learn key architectural and design elements that create more supportive work environments for neurodivergent employees, including lighting, acoustics, and spatial considerations.
• Implement practical workspace modifications – Gain actionable strategies for adapting existing spaces and planning new ones to accommodate diverse sensory and cognitive needs without compromising functionality.
• Build business case for inclusive design – Discover how neuro-inclusive workspace design benefits all employees and contributes to improved productivity, retention, and overall organizational success.

Speakers: Kelly Mann (Cushman & Wakefield), Kelly Hall (PREF NU), & Gable Clarke (SGA Architecture)

Room: 025C