Monday, July 7, 2025

12:45 PM - 4:15 PM

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Details

Facilitators Mr Aaron Saint-James, UNSW Prof Terry Cumming, UNSW Dr Ian McArthur, UNSW Ms Karen Kriss, UNSW Ms Chantel Le Cross, UNSW Dr Jess Macer Wright, UNSW Aim This workshop introduces an inclusive education toolkit designed to help educators create accessible, equitable, and neuro-inclusive course frameworks. Participants will gain practical strategies to make educational content inclusive of diverse learning needs, fostering a sense of belonging and support for neurodivergent students. Focus This workshop presents research-informed best practices in neuro-inclusive education and focuses on applying the inclusive education toolkit. It offers strategies for academic staff to implement neurodiversity principles in teaching, creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Overview The workshop begins by introducing the need for inclusive educational frameworks in modern higher education, particularly for neurodivergent students. We will walk participants through the key components of the inclusive education toolkit, demonstrate its application in real-world educational settings, and provide case studies of successful implementations. Additionally, the workshop highlights how integrating these practices contributes to the wellbeing and sense of belonging for all students. Context The workshop is informed by recent literature on neurodivergence in higher education, such as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Research supporting neuro-inclusive teaching practices will be discussed, showing how these strategies promote student engagement, mental wellbeing, and academic success. Workshop plan • Introduction (20 minutes): Overview of neurodivergence and challenges faced by neurodivergent students in education. • Toolkit walkthrough (40 minutes): Explanation of the Inclusive Education Toolkit’s components, with practical demonstrations of its use. • Group activity (40 minutes): Participants will work in groups to apply the toolkit to specific course frameworks and create inclusive strategies tailored to their disciplines. • Discussion and Q&A (30 minutes): Facilitated discussion on potential barriers, opportunities, and the impact of inclusive education on student wellbeing. • Wrap-up (10 minutes): Final reflections and how to continue engaging with the toolkit post-workshop. Intended learning outcomes: • Gain an understanding of neuro-inclusive education and its importance. • Learn to implement practical tools and strategies to make educational content more accessible. • Develop the ability to foster a greater sense of belonging and support for neurodivergent and diverse learners.