Supporting Neurodivergent Students Certificate
Description of and requirements to earn this certificate listed below
Fall 2024 Offerings
NeuroPREP (Asynchronous)
- August 26, 2024 - September 25, 2024 - OR -
- September 30, 2024 - October 29, 2024 - OR -
- November 11, 2024 - December 11, 2024
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 (~2 hours to complete).
NeuroPREP Part 1
- September 19th, 2024 | 10:00am - 11:30am (In-Person) - OR -
- October 28, 2024 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm (on Zoom)
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. In Part 1, participants will: (1) Gain an understanding of neurodiversity, the neurodiversity movement, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD; (2) Identify the prevalence of neurodivergent students on college campuses; (3) Understand the common challenges to full college participation faced by neurodivergent individuals; and (4) Identify the unique strengths that neurodivergent students have that may enhance their college experiences.
NeuroPREP Part 2
- September 26, 2024 | 10:00am - 11:30am (In-Person) - OR -
- November 4, 2024 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm (on Zoom)
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. In Part 2, participants will: (1) Recognize the laws applicable to disability services and students’ rights; (2) Identify potential strategies for working with students around these issues, including accommodations and other adjustments; and (3) analyze case studies using the information learned in Parts 1 and 2. Note, Part 1 must be completed before signing up for Part 2.
Neurodivergent Student Panel (Zoom)
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.
Neurodiversity 101 (Zoom)
“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 (Asynchronous)
Enhance your understanding of CSUF students’ disabilities, relevant legislation, instructional strategies,
and campus resources in this faulty-focused course. (approximately 2 hours)
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.
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
- Define neurodiversity, autism, and ADHD.
- Identify the strengths and challenges associated with neurodiversity.
- Discuss best practices and campus supports related to supporting neurodivergent students in the classroom.
- Describe the core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for use in the college classroom.
- 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.