By creating greater awareness of the neurodiversity supports, services, programming and education available within the SAIT community, this group is working towards making all students feel welcomed, supported and included.
How we support students
- creating positive experiences with faculty and staff
- enhancing your strengths
- increasing confidence in your academic ability
- fostering social connection and belonging
Definitions
Language shapes our understanding of the world and influences how people perceive themselves and others. The words we use to talk about neurodiversity have a powerful impact on creating inclusion, connection and belonging.
- Neurodiversity: Naturally occurring diversity in how people think, see and interact with the world.
- Neurodivergent: Having a mind that processes, learns and behaves in a way that diverges from the status quo.
- Universal design: The design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. When something is universally designed, it can be easily accessed by everyone.*
- Language guides: Best practices for respectful language when talking about neurodiversity and when talking to neurodivergent and/or people with disabilities.
*Source: Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
Neurodiversity week events
Neurodiversity reading list
Take a look at these print and digital books from the Reg Erhardt Library to help you celebrate neurodiversity!
Book list
- ADHD for Smart Ass Women: How to Fall in Love with your Neurodivergent Self
- The Autism and Neurodiversity Self-Advocacy Handbook: Developing the Skills to Determine Your own Future
- Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism
- Dyslexia is my Superpower: (Most of the Time): Interviews
- Succeeding with Adult ADHD: Daily Strategies to Help you Achieve Your Goals and Manage Your Life
- Teaching Myself to See
- What I want to Talk About: How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life
- Be a Brilliant Dyslexic Student
- The Neurodiverse Workplace: An Employer’s Guide to Managing and Working with Neurodivergent Employees, Clients and Customers
Get involved
Do you identify as neurodivergent? Want to join the work as an ally? We invite students, staff, faculty and the community to be part of the process. There are opportunities for sharing your experience with neurodiversity and for ongoing involvement.
Email usResources
Individuals looking to broaden their understanding and connection can find support and advocacy both on and off campus.
- Positive spaces allow SAIT students to experience diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. For additional support to help you feel more at home at SAIT, visit these resources in the Lamb Learner Success Centre:
- Neurodiversity support through Student Development and Counselling.
- Harassment and discrimination hotline: 403.210.4406
Connect with the Neurodiversity Alliance
Keep up-to-date on events, programming, and support for the SAIT Neurodivergent community.