Date: 07/29/2026 Time: 11:00-12:00 Location: internet Type: Webinar
Price: $25 Make a Payment
Description
Join us for a thought-provoking book study on Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices so All Students Feel Accepted and Supported by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin. This book explores practical strategies for creating an inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming school environment that supports students with diverse learning needs. Through engaging discussions and reflections, participants will gain insights into how to embrace neurodiversity, adapt practices to meet the needs of all learners, and foster a classroom culture where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. This book study is ideal for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in transforming their approach to neurodiversity in schools.
Topics by weeks:
7/1/2026 Week 1: Introduction (Now is the Time to Build Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools), Chapter 1 (The Neurodiversity Affirming School), and Chapter 2 (Understanding Your Neurodivergent Learners)
7/8/2026 Week 2: Chapter 3 (Dismantling Ableism and Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Culture) and Chapter 4 (Universal Design for Learning as a Neurodiversity Affirming Practice)
7/15/2026 Week 3: Chapter 5 (Camouflaging, Masking, and Authenticity) and Chapter 6 (Rethinking Behavior in the Classroom)
7/22/2026 Week 4: Chapter 7 (Building Emotionally Competent Classrooms) and Chapter 8 (Meeting Sensory Needs)
7/29/2026 Week 5: Chapter 9 (Neurodiversity Affirming Communication) and Chapter 10 (Strengths-Based Instruction)
8/5/2026 Week 6: Chapter 11 (IEPs, 504 Plans, and Other Personalized Learning Plans), Chapter 12 (Mental Health Needs) and Conclusion (Building the Future Together)
Learning Objectives
- Develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and the importance of affirming all students’ unique neurological profiles in the educational setting.
- Explore practical strategies for implementing neurodiversity-affirming practices in classrooms, ensuring that students with diverse learning needs are supported and included.
- Engage in thoughtful discussions with peers, sharing insights and experiences to collectively enhance understanding of neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Presenters
Sarah Kinsella, MA CCC-SLP
Sarah Kinsella is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting students with complex communication needs. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and has worked in the public school setting for 11 years. She also served as the district Assistive Technology Specialist for 7 years, working with multidisciplinary teams and families to support students with a variety of Assistive Technology and AAC needs. She is passionate about her field and thankful for the students with whom she works as they help her learn and grow along the way.
Sara Ayars, MS, CCC-SLP
Sara is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist with the Special Education Technology Center, and an adjunct professor at Western Washington University. With over 18 years of experience in public education, she specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting the communication needs of students ages 3 to 21 across diverse educational settings. Sara partners closely with educators, offering coaching and guidance to ensure comprehensive support for students with high support needs. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusion, promoting accessibility, and creating meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Contact
Email Sue Wright at the SETC office
Zoom Link
Clock hours for this webinar and others in this series are available from ESD105 for a small fee. The following Professional Development Enroller link provides more information about clock hours: pending