course »Embracing Neurodiversity: Challenging Ableism and Celebrating Cognitive Diversity

Date: 7/22/2024, 12:00 pm—4:15 pm
County: -Training Offerings
CEUs: 4
Location: -DISTANCE LEARNING
Sponsor: A Better Way, Inc.
Phone: 510-601-0203
To effectively challenge ableism, it is essential to understand how societal norms often favor neurotypical behaviors and marginalize those who are neurodivergent. Individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder frequently encounter barriers. These include stigmatizing language and social interactions, where terms like “”obsessive,”” “”manic,”” “”distracted,”” lazy,”” “”spaz,”” or “”crazy”” are misused, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and ableist views. This interactive workshop delves into the concept of neurodiversity and assesses how societal structures can either obstruct or empower neurodivergent individuals. Through interactive activities, reflective discussions, and informative lectures, participants will explore personal biases and systemic barriers. This engagement aims to equip them with the tools necessary to advocate for change and promote inclusivity in various settings. By the end of this session, attendees will be better prepared to recognize and dismantle the structures that perpetuate ableism, enhancing their capacity to support neurodivergent individuals effectively. This focused approach aims to foster a direct understanding of how ableism operates and how it can be counteracted in everyday interactions and institutional policies.