Neurodiversity Awareness Week
April 14-20, 2024
WKU Neurodiversity Awareness Week
You are invited to participate in WKU’s second annual Neurodiversity Awareness Week
April 13-20, 2024
Join us as we strive to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.
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Do You Identify as a Member of the Neurodivergent Community at WKU? Share your perspective by participating in our “My POV” campaign. Answer two questions (by written response or video):
Option to submit text (collected via Qualtrics survey) or video responses (collected via Spark Hire). Click the link for your preferred option below.
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Saturday, April 13
8:00 AM
Race Starting Location: Bowling Green Ballpark | 300 8th Ave.
Join us for the 17thannual LifeSkills Run for Autism! There will be a four-mile run, a one-mile children's run, and a one-mile family fun run/walk.
Saturday, April 13
2:00-4:00 PM
1328 Adams Street (behind the WKU Kentucky Street Apartments)
LifeWorks at WKU is a supportive living and learning community for autistic young adults as they transition to independent living and employment.
Meet staff, tour the building, and learn about LifeWorks.
Monday, April 15
Noon
DSU SGA Chambers | Room 2081
Presented by Peyton Collins, Director of Mental Health Services with the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex.
This workshop will provide an in-depth view of Neurodiversity, the culture, and common challenges faced by someone who is neurodivergent. We will discuss language, skills, and building inclusivity from a neurodiverse-affirming approach. Our aim is to provide a space for learning and dialogue to enhance how we support our neurodivergent students and colleagues.
Tuesday, April 16
12:00-1:00 PM
DSU 2113
For Supervisors and Employers
Facilitated by Hendrix Brakefield, Program Director, LifeWorks @ WKU, and Christian Carter, Endpoint Support Consultant, WKU Information Technology Services.
In this session for supervisors and employers, we will further discuss strategies, tools and best practices for working with and embracing our neurodivergent students.
Tuesday, April 16
12:00-1:00 PM
DSU 2124
For Staff
Facilitated by Blair Jensen, Associate Director, Housing & Residence Life, and Melanie Evans, Coordinator, Office of Student Conduct.
In this session for staff members, we will further discuss strategies, tools and best practices for working with and embracing our neurodivergent students.
Tuesday, April 16
3:00 PM
DSU SGA Chambers | DSU 2081
Facilitated by Hendrix Brakefield, Program Director, LifeWorks @ WKU. Participate in a sensory simulation and engage with panelists to learn more about the experience of neurodivergent people.
Wednesday, April 17
12:00-1:00 PM
DSU 3020
For Faculty
Facilitated by Dr. Micah Logan, Associate Director, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, and Dr. Mariah Yates, Director of Advancing Workplace Culture, Assistant Professor, Gordon Ford College of Business.
In this session for faculty, we will further discuss strategies, tools and best practices for engaging our neurodivergent students.
Wednesday, April 17
12:00-1:00 PM
DSU 2113
For Students
Facilitated by Amelia Kolb, Assistant Director of Student Activities-Leadership & Volunteerism, and Andrew Rash, Associate Director of Student Activities-Greek Life
In this session for students, we will further discuss strategies, tools and best practices for collaborating and working alongside fellow neurodivergent students.
Thursday, April 18
3:00-4:00 PM
DSU 3020
Dr. Masami Matsuyuki will discuss what boundaries and empathy are, why we need both to develop healthy relationships, how to set boundaries within ourselves, and how to empathize with ourselves and with other people. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore their own boundaries and practice empathy as a psychological skill. We will have a conversation to reflect on how this topic applies to supporting neurodivergent students.
Saturday, April 20
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Knicely Conference Center | 2355 Nashville Rd.
The PossAbilities Expo (formerly known as the Special Needs Expo) celebrates people with disabilities and the resources in our community, and aims to provide information, inspire hope, and empower families.
Questions regarding the week’s activities may be directed to Michael Crowe, Co-Director of Engagement and Oppotunities, michael.crowe@wku.edu.
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