Partnering for Neuro-Inclusive Teaching at RIT

Orange circle with the text Celebrate Neurodiversity around a graphical image of a brain in the center

Throughout 2025, the Spectrum Support Program (SSP) and Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative (NHI) partnered with the Center for Teaching and Learning in multiple ways to advance neuro-inclusive teaching and learning at RIT. This collaboration began in May 2025 during the CTL Summer Institute, where Kendra Evans co-led a session with Dr. Sandi Connelly focused on supporting neurodivergent students in group learning environments. Faculty engaged in practical, interactive work exploring how to design inclusive group activities, apply Universal Design for Learning, and navigate common challenges that arise during collaboration. The session emphasized concrete strategies faculty could bring directly back to their classrooms.

Building on this foundation, SSP and CTL offered a two-part workshop series in October 2025, led by Kendra Evans with the support of CTL Faculty Fellow Makini Beck. The first session, Understanding Neurodiversity in Higher Education, introduced core concepts of neurodiversity and examined the strengths, barriers, and academic experiences of neurodivergent students. The second session, Teaching Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Students, shifted the focus to practice, highlighting evidence-based teaching approaches, inclusive course design, and small, high-impact instructional changes that support access, engagement, and belonging across disciplines.

Beyond faculty development, SSP supports neurodivergent students through individualized and group coaching, helping students strengthen executive functioning, self-advocacy, and academic skills. SSP also offers drop-in sessions for neurodivergent students as situations arise, along with volunteer opportunities and Friday night meet-ups that foster community and connection. Many of these offerings are free and open to all students, reinforcing a culture of belonging across campus.

RIT is a neurodiverse place, and the Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative exists to reflect and support that reality. NHI focuses on preparing neurodivergent students for the professional world through career development programming, including Networking Essentials, which builds confidence, communication skills, and meaningful employer connections. Together, SSP and NHI bridge the academic and career experiences of neurodivergent learners.

Ways to Collaborate

Faculty partnership is essential to sustaining inclusive learning environments. SSP and NHI are eager to collaborate in ways that are practical, flexible, and aligned with your teaching goals. Our team is available to:

  • Join faculty or department meetings to discuss neurodiversity, de-escalation strategies, group projects, or other areas of interest
  • Consult on classroom behavior or student engagement concerns using a neuro-inclusive lens
  • Brainstorm syllabus or activity adjustments that can increase clarity, access, and student success
  • Partner on workshops related to inclusive teaching, co-op readiness, or career preparation for neurodivergent students

If you are interested in collaborating, consulting, or co-creating learning opportunities, SSP and NHI would welcome the chance to work with you to ensure RIT classrooms continue to support the diverse ways our students learn, engage, and succeed.