Jenna Santamaria
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Kathleen Ignatoski
Research Mentor School/College/Department: University of Michigan / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Jenna Santamaria, Sandy Zalmout, Chris Laurinec, Neurodiversity Group , Kathleen Ignatoski
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 76
Abstract
Fifteen to twenty percent of the United States population identifies as neurodivergent; thus, creating a community that is inclusive and accessible is essential (“Neurodiversity in the Workplace”). The Cleveland Clinic defines neurodivergence as, “a nonmedical term that describes people whose brain develops or works differently for some reason.” Neurodivergent students pursuing higher education require support and resources that will help them succeed and neurodivergent adults must have accessible options in their workplace. Currently, the University of Michigan has some resources to support neurodiverse students, but lacks the resources necessary to support neurodiverse faculty and staff. Our study examined the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices of local secondary schools, other universities, and businesses to identify the resources they have available to their neurodivergent students and staff in order to generate ways to make the University of Michigan more accessible. Additionally, students, staff, and faculty of the University of Michigan were anonymously surveyed on their knowledge of the resources available on campus and what the University can do to improve. From the work of the University of Melbourne, who recently conducted a similar study, we were able to determine where the neurodiverse support of the University of Michigan is strong and where it can be improved. For instance, we observed that the University doesn’t have a centralized database to promote awareness of all available resources. However, there are valuable services like mental health counseling and IT accessibility that many do not know. The findings of this study can be applied to other higher education institutions to strengthen their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in order to make their community a more equitable environment.
