Beyond Labels: Empathetic Teaching Practices for Neuroinclusion
Free Online Presentation
Monday, May 5, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 PM CST
In today’s educational landscape, it’s crucial for instruction librarians to adapt teaching practices to accommodate the diverse needs of learners, including those who are neurodiverse. So, what is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity, a word coined by Judy Singer, moves away from the deficit model—in which people with mental health disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, etc. faced stigmatization and pathologization—and toward a model of difference (Farrant et al., 2022; Rakshit, 2023; Singer, 1998). The rates of students joining the ranks of higher education who are neurodiverse are raising, and “…theoretically speaking, over a period of several years, about 20,000 students with [an autism] diagnosis may start their education at universities” (Cierzniewska and Podgórska-Jachnik, 2021) with only ⅓ of students with a disability informing their college (NCES, 2022).
This program discusses instruction techniques informed by empathetic pedagogy and supported by learning technology, to create inclusive learning environments that support neurotypical and neurodiverse learners alike. Beginning with an introduction to neurodiversity, attendees will be led through challenges that are often faced by neurodiverse students throughout post-secondary education. From there we expand on what Empathetic Teaching is, its values, how to espouse them, and how they align with the needs of learners of all types. Finally, we will dive into how to integrate learning technology to support a neurodiverse classroom with recommendations for incorporating assistive technology to aid learners. Join us as we explore practical strategies for teaching across various educational settings, from one-shot sessions to credit-bearing courses.
Presenters:
Amanda Larson works as the Affordable Learning Instructional Consultant at The Ohio State University. Her role involves organizing professional development programs for staff, librarians, and instructors on open pedagogy and open educational practices. She also leads the Affordable Educational Resources initiatives to connect instructors to library resources, subject specialists, and affordable course materials.
Hanna Primeau is an Instructional Designer for the Teaching & Learning department at The Ohio State University Libraries. She regularly consults others in applying sound pedagogical methods, including incorporating emerging learning technologies. She happens to currently be completing her dissertation work in the intersection of information literacy and learning technology as well.
This free presentation is sponsored by the ACRL University Libraries Section Professional Development Committee. Please direct questions and concerns to Jane Hammons, Co-Chair of the ACRL ULS Professional Development Committee. A full list of the committee’s past programs is available on the ULS website.
