Acknowledging Neurodiversity and Removing Barriers: Neurodiversity In The Classroom
Growing numbers of neurodivergent college students add to the diversity of our college and community. This growth brings a need for inclusive and affirming learning environments. In this second segment of our two-part series on Acknowledging Neurodiversity and Removing Barriers, we expand on the term neurodiversity, present examples of inclusive classroom strategies, and discuss intersectionality. We will also introduce participants to the Neurodiversity Hub, a newly developed faculty resource bank and collegial discussion forum.
The event was held via Zoom on December 7th, 2022.
Presentation recording (login required)
Presenters:
- Dr. Sally Izquierdo, PhD in Behavior Analysis
Dr. Izquierdo is a Board Certified and NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a master’s degree in counseling and from CUNY Queens College and The Graduate Center with a PhD in Behavior Analysis. Dr. Izquierdo has over 25 years of clinical experience, providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities, families, and professionals in homes, schools, and in the community. Her work as chair of NYSABA’s legislative committee contributed significantly to the recent removal of the scope of practice restriction for licensed behavior analysts in New York. Dr. Izquierdo currently sits on the NYSABA board as Representative at Large and Chair of the Student Activities committee. At Queens College, Dr. Izquierdo is responsible for the clinical training for all master’s programs in the psychology department and directs the Applied Behavior Analysis graduate programs. She has recently expanded clinical training opportunities for ABA graduate students at Queens College to include behavior analytic support to CUNY students with autism/autistic CUNY students.Dr. Izquierdo is dedicated to helping improve the practice landscape for behavior analysts in New York and experience opportunities for students.
Dr. Izquierdo is a Board Certified and NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a master’s degree in counseling and from CUNY Queens College and The Graduate Center with a PhD in Behavior Analysis. Dr. Izquierdo has over 25 years of clinical experience, providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities, families, and professionals in homes, schools, and in the community. Her work as chair of NYSABA’s legislative committee contributed significantly to the recent removal of the scope of practice restriction for licensed behavior analysts in New York. Dr. Izquierdo currently sits on the NYSABA board as Representative at Large and Chair of the Student Activities committee. At Queens College, Dr. Izquierdo is responsible for the clinical training for all master’s programs in the psychology department and directs the Applied Behavior Analysis graduate programs. She has recently expanded clinical training opportunities for ABA graduate students at Queens College to include behavior analytic support to CUNY students with autism/autistic CUNY students.Dr. Izquierdo is dedicated to helping improve the practice landscape for behavior analysts in New York and experience opportunities for students.
- Kartika Kumari, M.A. Candidate Behavioral Neuroscience Kartika is a master’s student studying Behavioral Neuroscience at Queens College. She worked in rehabilitation as a cognitive therapy assistant for over nine years, helping people with traumatic brain injuries before switching gears and heading back to school to study neuroscience.This semester she is working as a Neurodiversity Support Fellow. As a neurodivergent individual herself, she advocates for the acknowledgement and acceptance of neurodiversity in higher education.
Kartika is a master’s student studying Behavioral Neuroscience at Queens College. She worked in rehabilitation as a cognitive therapy assistant for over nine years, helping people with traumatic brain injuries before switching gears and heading back to school to study neuroscience.This semester she is working as a Neurodiversity Support Fellow. As a neurodivergent individual herself, she advocates for the acknowledgement and acceptance of neurodiversity in higher education.
- Gloria Livai, B.A. Psychology Gloria Livai is a Neurodiversity Support Fellow studying in the Psychology M.A. program at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY). She has a passion for helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through her experience as a volunteer and sibling advocate. She is currently a graduate research assistant in a child development study for Fragile X Syndrome Premutation carriers. Her goal is to advocate for and direct therapeutic services to young adults with neurogenetic disorders.
Gloria Livai is a Neurodiversity Support Fellow studying in the Psychology M.A. program at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY). She has a passion for helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through her experience as a volunteer and sibling advocate. She is currently a graduate research assistant in a child development study for Fragile X Syndrome Premutation carriers. Her goal is to advocate for and direct therapeutic services to young adults with neurogenetic disorders.Presented by: Project Reach