Working together on a 'neuro-inclusive' educational environment
How can Inholland University of Applied Sciences create a neuro-inclusive learning environment for all students and staff? In April, about thirty-five colleagues and students discussed this subject during the Community of Practice Diversity (CoP) Neurodiversity & Inclusion. Jonathan Evans, lecturer of Creative Business, joined to raise awareness on this topic and share practical tips. "Neuro-inclusion and an Inholland-wide approach are important," he says.
Jonathan currently works full-time as a senior lecturer and coach in the Creative Business domain. In September, he will start as a researcher for two days a week, together with Joke Hermes, lector of Inclusion and the Creative Industries, focusing on inclusion within this domain. It was special for him to participate as a co-host in the CoP on neurodiversity and inclusion, together with our Business Innovation student Flann who is focusing on this topic for his graduation project. "Three years ago, at the age of 33, I was diagnosed as autistic. This CoP was one of the first occasions I was able to talk about this to a large group of people within my workplace," explains Jonathan. "It is important to convey commitment on certain issues to Inholland staff and students."
Unique perspectives of neurodivergent people
Neurodivergent people have unique perspectives that fall outside of neurotypical norms. This includes not only autism, but also ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Dyslexia and other forms of neurodiversity. Many people are diagnosed late or undiagnosed, especially women, ethnic minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of awareness and action on this topic. "By speaking up, you bring about positive change," he says.
Challenges and privileges
Partly due to his late diagnosis, Jonathan himself faced several challenges. "When I was diagnosed, a lot of things fell into place, but it's also a process of ups and downs," he says. He emphasizes the importance of a support network and understanding team leaders. "It is possible to flourish as a neurodivergent person, but there must be neuro-affirming conditions to make this possible."
Changes within Inholland
Within Inholland, small adjustments can be made to accommodate neurodivergent people. This includes more accessible buildings, better signage, visualisations on the website and stimulus-free spaces. Estelle Kleuskens, a former student of International Creative Business, wrote her thesis on neurodiversity and a produced several creative concepts, including a sensory hub.
Future Vision for Inclusion
Jonathan hopes that all Inholland programmes will be able to work on being more neurodivergent friendly within their educational programmes. "An inclusive, Inholland-wide approach is important. Embedding educational models such as 'Universal Design for Learning' and 'Compassionate Pedagogy' would help." He emphasizes that the responsibility for topics such as neurodiversity should not lie with a few ambassadors, but that a universal approach is needed.
Jonathan is looking forward to work on this topic in his combined role as a lecturer-researcher. "It is important to listen carefully to each other and to work together to achieve Inholland's inclusive mission and vision," he concludes. Jonathan will also be working with Flann on his graduation research on neurodiversity. "Flann also highlights the experience of employees in his research, and I look forward to working with him. When it comes to diversity issues, it is important to listen carefully to each other. During a training on inclusive teaching by the Diversity research group, I saw many good examples that we can build upon. However, we need to do more and achieve this together with others."
Community of Practice On the way to Keti Koti with Howard Komproe
During the Community of Practice on Thursday 20 June, you can talk to comedian, presenter and actor Howard Komproe about history, freedom, impact, connection, bubbles and allyship. This session will take place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in The Hague, in the Mauritszaal from 14:00 to 16:00. You can sign up via this form.
Neurodiversity means that there are differences between people's brains, and therefore different ways of thinking and learning. There is no such thing as a standard brain.