Inclusive Education for Neurodivergent: How Colleges Help Students with Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia
These programs support neurodivergent students through specialized resources and accommodations.
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Inclusivity in education has now made its way to several colleges across the US. This means providing important focus to neurodivergent individuals, those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other unique challenges that make college more difficult.
To facilitate this, US colleges have started to implement programs to create an inclusive and supportive environment that warmly celebrates their differences in particular.
Inclusive Education for Neurodivergent Students Made Possible by US Colleges
According to the Hechinger Report, colleges adopting programs for neurodivergent students also face higher awareness of brain differences that both administrators and educators can now see them without the lens of incapacity, but rather, through being unique in strengths and potential.
Some universities do not just accommodate their environment, they also provide full-ride scholarships to qualified students, recognizing the value they bring to the academic community.
To embrace inclusive education, here's how colleges help students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other differences.
University of San Diego: Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity
Hechinger Report shared that there is now a new Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity at the University of San Diego. It provides training for teachers, policy development, and direct support for said students. This way, they are prepared for both their college and career years. Emphasizing 'embodied equity,' it includes all students who come from different gender, race, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
University of California, Berkeley: Neurodivergent Task Force
In Berkeley, there's now a task force that addresses the needs of these students. This time, it focuses on improving access to medical care, together with accommodations for their condition and adjustments to their curriculum. This effort provides an adaptable environment that makes college life easier for them.
San Diego State University: Specialized Coursework
With different brain functions come different interests in careers, hence, where San Diego State University will come in. Using specialized coursework, the university will cover topics that will equip neurodivergent students with essential skills so they can easily navigate not just college, but also their preferred careers in the future.
Beacon College, Florida: Built-in Environment for Neurodivergent Students
To make them feel included with non-neurodivergent students, Beacon College provides a fully neurodivergent-focused education environment with accommodations built into the academic structure. They can either break larger projects into manageable parts or offer extended deadlines. At the same time, they offer regular guidance to help them stay on top of their studies.
