Supporting Neurodivergent and Physically Disabled Students Archives

Quote in white text on a yellow rectangle is overlayed an image of people walking through a maze with wooden walls.

January 3, 2025

Why Is It So Different In College?: Individualized Education Plans vs. Accommodations

by Kira Campagna and Caroline J. Ketcham

A common point of confusion in the world of special education, with a shoutout to transitioning from a K-12 system to higher education in the US, are the differences between an individualized education plan (IEP) (often discussed alongside 504 plans), and…

Elementary student holds pencil and works in workbook. White text over a black rectangle over the image reads: "I felt that I had given them a solid first step in thinking about the important role a tutor has. But maybe more importantly, I had changed, too."

December 20, 2024

Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in a Tutoring Environment

by Stephen Byrd

Have you ever thought about what makes an effective tutor? Have you ever thought about what makes an effective tutor for children who are neurodiverse or just struggling with new concepts? Do tutors really need any support or training to…

Digital drawing of a female student with brown hair wearing a brown skirt and a blue backpack looking at a chalkboard that says "My CEL Experience by Kira Campagns"

December 3, 2024

CEL Student Summer Experiences

by Kira Campagna

This was my first summer participating in the Center for Engaged Learning student scholar experience. In late spring, I applied to be part of the CEL Student Scholar program. For those who may not know, the program consists of a…

Brick arch with greenery; three people walk in the distance beyond the brick arch. "The key to learning, it seems, is to explore and be curious; to be in an awkward place; to know that you are not at the finish line, only at the starting line" in white text to the left.

November 22, 2024

Lifelong Learning: Reflections on Neurodiversity and Growth

by Stephen Byrd

The cliché “lifelong learner” is used often, but there is a great deal of good in that term if you begin to think deeply about it. We are always learning; and that is a good thing. I am. That is why…

White girl with long hair in a bun covers face with open book. Text set on a yellow background reads: "... regardless of the hours of hard work and dedication I put forth, I began to feel as if my success was impossible.”

November 1, 2024

Learning Disabilities, Meet Learned Helplessness

by Kira Campagna

I am currently undertaking the course Educational Psychology here at Elon. While I was reading a section of my course textbook, I came across a statement that has been stuck in my head all week: “Students with learning disabilities might…

Black background with gray illustration of a brain. Opaque orange box sits behind white text that reads: "Before the seminar, I never would have considered that school policy, course curriculum, or even space design (I could go on) impacted my experiences. I had viewed my experiences and challenges as personal, and did not take a step back to look at the bigger picture."

October 22, 2024

Reflecting on my Experience as a Neurodivergent Learner

by Ben Krasnow

I recently started my role as a CEL Student Scholar for the 2024–2026 Research Seminar on Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students. As a neurodivergent student myself, I was able to provide an important perspective for the participants,…

Blue background with gold lines forming a border and leaves in two corners. Text reads, "After allowing myself to being pulled with the flow over sharp rocks and through slimy river weeds, splashing and struggling to keep my head above the current because I believed getting a lifejacket made me less of a swimmer, I finally saw the importance of reaching out and realizing my capabilities and where I needed support."

September 3, 2024

The Importance of Asking for Help

by Kaz Kelly

There is a saying that I’m sure many of you have heard, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” It means that in order to get what you need, you have to fight for it; it won’t simply be given to…

A gradient background with a text overlay: "I felt invisible as if nobody had heard or seen me... there is nothing more powerful than a voice in the world of education."

July 9, 2024

The Power of a Voice (as a Neurodivergent Learner)

by Kira Campagna

There is nothing more powerful than a voice in the world of education. I was diagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia, when I was in first grade. I was lucky in that they spotted my dyslexia at a young age….

Background image transitions from deep blue ocean to a sandy white beech. A text overlay reads, "Coming into or heading to your next from my seat has always felt exciting as all the possibilities await. But for many it isn’t easy with the landscape of transitions being unapologetically uneven negatively impacting those entering with disabilities or neurodivergent identities."

June 4, 2024

Transitions . . . Uneven and Uneasy

by Caroline J. Ketcham

I have landed in a season of transitions as a mom and as a professional. My oldest, Elliot, is headed to college in the fall, my youngest, Liam, will be starting high school, and I will start a new role…

A blue sky is filled with umbrellas of all colors. Text overlay reads, "CEL Research Seminar on Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students -- What we know and what we need to know"

May 21, 2024

A CEL Research Seminar on Neuroinclusive Engaged Learning

by Caroline J. Ketcham

This summer we launch a multi-year, multi-institutional research seminar through the Center for Engaged Learning focused on “Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students.” As with all the seminars, the lead-up to this has been a multi-year process with…

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