Higher Education Panel 2: Beyond Accommodations: Inclusivity and Advocacy for Neurodivergent Students in Higher Education
Event Details:
Location
Beyond Accommodations: Inclusivity and Advocacy for Neurodivergent Students in Higher Education
Moderator: Marci Schwartz, PhD
Objectives:
- Describe and evaluate practices and frameworks implemented by higher education institutions in support of an inclusive cultural shift, embracing Neurodivergent students.
- Compare different models of institutional support across diverse higher education institutions, including their development, implementation, and outcomes.
- Develop strategies for creating neurodiversity-affirming environments that reduce barriers to disclosure and participation while promoting long-term student well-being and success."Noor Syed, Assistant Professor, Director, CAARES - SUNY Empire State
Noor Syed, PhD, Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES), SUNY Empire State University
Noor Syed, Ph.D., Dr. Noor Syed (she/they) is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis and the founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State University. Recently, she supported the launch of and coordinated a Masters of Science in ABA, in which a core tenet is affirming, responsive practice. Dr. Syed has also been named the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy with CAARES, whose primary initiative is to help SUNY Empire become a fully inclusive and supportive college for those who identify as neurodiverse through a multi-tiered system of support framework. The university was designated an Autistic Supportive™ institution in 2022. Dr. Syed is the director of Anderson Center International, an organization dedicated to providing training in evidenced-based strategies for scholars from under-resourced areas globally, and is President of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. She is an Adjunct Doctoral Advisor in ABA with Endicott College, and is a certified general and special education teacher. Dr. Syed serves on the ABA Ethics Hotline and on the Scientific Council with the Organization for Autism Research. Dr. Syed has consulted with and supported autism centres around the world and has been an invited speaker regarding autism at the United Nations. Noor is Neurodivergent and came to this work because of her beloved cousin who was born with significant intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Lauren Lestremau Allen, PhD, BCBA-D, NCSP, LBA, LP, Assistant Professor & Assistant Director, CAARES - SUNY Empire State
Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen is a Licensed Psychologist (NY, MD), Licensed Behavior Analyst (NY), Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Allen is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Empire State University in the Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Science program and the Assistant Director of the SUNY Empire Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES), both of which prioritize compassionate, value-driven care, and client self-advocacy and autonomy. Dr. Allen has supported Autistic, Neurodivergent, and disabled clients and their families and teams across school, home, and clinic settings. Dr. Allen is committed to high quality service and support delivery with Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, passionate about training ethical and affirming professionals, and committed to equitable and affirming system-wide approaches to promote Universal Design and belonging.
Sandra Fishler, MA, Director, Success Center, Landmark College Success Center
Sandra Fishler is the director of Landmark College Success Center, representing LC in the California Bay Area. Sandra joined the LC team in Fall 2020. Prior to joining Landmark College, Sandra successfully consulted and collaborated with numerous university partners for over 6 years as the Director of Academic Affairs for HotChalk, Inc., an online program manager. In addition, Sandra has taught and advised students in K-12 school and community college settings. Sandra is a native Californian who enjoys the beach, cooking, and her spirited family.
Aley O'Mara, Program Associate and Training Coordinator, CAARES - SUNY Empire State
Dr. Aley O'Mara (they/them) is the Training Coordinator for the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State University. They are a neurodivergent educator whose work prioritizes disability justice. With CAARES, O’Mara supports the work of training institutions to better serve neurodivergent communities and coordinating the Peer2Peer Student Connection program for SUNY Empire students. O’Mara has been invited to speak on supporting neurodivergent students at the SUNY University at Buffalo, Syracuse University, and BIMM University (UK). They hold a PhD from Syracuse University in English, and they are active in the disability community in Central New York. Their interests include public transportation, labor unions, and house rabbits.
Emi DiSciullo, LCAT, Assistant Director for Learning Support and Neurodiversity Initiatives, SUNY New Paltz
Emi DiSciullo is a NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist/ Mental Health Practitioner working in Higher Education disability services. Utilizing her creative background, deep listening skills, and genuine curiosity, Emi enjoys building relationships with students to get to know them as individuals and provide holistic support. Drawing from more than 2 decades of experience in K-12 schools, after-school programs and higher education and through a collaborative approach, she work with students to develop independent learning skills, identify academic and personal goals, improve communication and self-advocacy, develop time management and organizational strategies and become empowered to reach their goals.