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Supporting Neurodivergent Students Certificate

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Supporting Neurodivergent Students Button

Description of and requirements to earn this certificate listed below

Fall 2025 Offerings

Neurodiversity 101
Facilitated by Sasha Zeedyk

“Neurodiversity” is a term and movement that refers to diversity, or normal variation, of the human mind. There are many different definitions and interpretations of the term, as well as various diagnostic labels that are represented by it. This one-hour workshop will introduce participants to the terms and definitions commonly associated with “neurodiversity” and provide resources for diving further into the topic.

Accessibility Basics and Benefits
Facilitated by Sasha Zeedyk

Enhance your understanding of students with disabilities, relevant legislation, and accessibility and instructional strategies in this asynchronous course. (approximately 2 hours)

NeuroPREP (Two Zoom Sessions or One Asynchronous Course)
Facilitated by Sasha Zeedyk

OR ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ~2 HOUR COURSES

Neurodiversity Prep, or NeuroPREP, is a faculty training program that offers information on neurodiversity, autism, and ADHD to faculty in higher education to understand the postsecondary experiences of neurodivergent students. NeuroPREP focuses on relevant knowledge, applied strategies, and accessible resources for improving postsecondary experiences and outcomes for these students. Further, NeuroPREP facilitates an understanding of best practices, campus supports, and higher education federal law so that faculty are equipped to support neurodivergent students in the classroom. Faculty with varying levels of teaching experience and experience working with neurodivergent students are welcome to participate! As a NeuroPREP participant, your involvement includes the completion of four self-paced online video modules and accompanying module worksheets. (Completion of Parts 1 and 2 on Zoom is equivalent to completing the Asynchronous version of the course).

DSS Disability Ally Workshop
Facilitated by Christian Abson

The Disability Ally Workshop is a three-hour session designed to provide disability education, encourage disability allyship, and promote a campus culture that recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of disability policy in the US, identify different forms of representation in society, and gain a deeper understanding of intersectionality and ableism. Participants will also discuss best practices for being a Disability Ally, information about Disability Support Services at CSUF, how to refer students, and much more! Please join us to learn to better support and uplift our fellow Titans with disabilities.

Neurodivergent Student Panel
Facilitated by Sasha Zeedyk

There is no better way to learn about a human experience than from those who are living it. Come listen to current and/or former neurodivergent CSUF students discuss their college experiences and ways in which their neurodivergence impacts them on campus.

Neurodiversity Conversations
Facilitated by Sasha Zeedyk

Neurodiversity Conversations is an open, informal space for faculty and staff who are interested in discussion around these topics. The session will center on open-ended conversations and Q&A around topics such as self-advocacy, allyship, accessibility, and creating inclusive practices in teaching, research, and service. Whether you're looking to share experiences, ask questions, or deepen your understanding of neurodiversity in higher ed, this session aims to foster connection, support, and actionable insights. Join us as we explore how to build a more inclusive and equitable academic environment—one conversation at a time.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles (Asynchronous)

Discover the core principles of UDL (designing diverse means of representation, engagement, and
expression) to boost student success in this faculty-focused course. (approximately 4 hours)

Creating Accessible Documents (Asynchronous)

Explore how to create and fix accessible documents using Microsoft's and Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Checkers, as well as leverage Ally's accessibility report to identify and remediate issues effectively. Facilitated by Michael Jamshidi.

Workshop Schedule

Neurodivergent Flyer

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Certificate Description and Requirements

Overview

The Supporting Neurodivergent Students Certificate Program is designed to strengthen faculty knowledge of neurodiversity and provide strategies for supporting neurodivergent students on campus.

Learning Objectives

  1. Define neurodiversity, autism, and ADHD.
  2. Identify the strengths and challenges associated with neurodiversity.
  3. Discuss best practices and campus supports related to supporting neurodivergent students in the classroom.
  4. Describe the core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for use in the college classroom.
  5. Apply relevant knowledge, UDL strategies, and accessible resources towards improving postsecondary experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent students.

Requirements

Participants are required to complete the following: (1) NeuroPREP (~2 hours), (2) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles (~4 hours), and (3) 3-4 additional hours from the following options:

  • Neurodiversity 101: “Neurodiversity” is a term and movement that refers to diversity, or normal variation, of the human mind. There are many different definitions and interpretations of the term, as well as various diagnostic labels that are represented by it. This one-hour workshop will introduce participants to the terms and definitions commonly associated with “neurodiversity” and provide resources for diving further into the topic. (1 hour)
  • Neurodivergent Student Panel: There is no better way to learn about a human experience than from those who are living it. Come listen to current and/or former neurodivergent CSUF students discuss their college experiences and ways in which their neurodivergence impacts(ed) them on campus. (1.5 hours)
  • Accessibility Basics and Benefits: Enhance your understanding of CSUF students’ disabilities, relevant legislation, instructional strategies, and campus resources in this faculty-focused course. (approximately 2 hours)
  • Creating Accessible Canvas Pages: Discover how to make your Canvas course content accessible and inclusive, using the built-in accessibility checker and expert tips for crafting effective alternative text for images. (approximately 2 hours)
  • Creating Accessible Documents: Explore how to create and fix accessible documents using Microsoft's and Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Checkers, as well as leverage Ally's accessibility report to identify and remediate issues effectively. (approximately 2-3 hours)
  • Creating Accessible Media: Learn how to create accessible media by captioning videos and ensuring your multimedia content meets accessibility standards. (approximately 2 hours)

Upon the completion of the 9-10 hours of training, participants will submit a 1-2-page reflection describing how they plan to incorporate strategies learned into their instruction.

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Supporting Neurodivergent Students Certificate Earners

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Fall 2024

  • Michael Huynh
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