2025-2026 Year-End Update: Building a Neuroinclusive UMBC
We’d like to thank our members and allies for gathering this week for a wonderful discussion and to revisit the mission and values of our community. We also took time to recognize and thank our interim co-chairs Dr. Karen Chen (faculty) and Dr. Tory Williams (staff) – without them, this group would not have been possible.
Our “wins” this year included:
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Physical Accessibility and Neuroinclusivity: We partnered with Facilities Management on the Gathering Space Annex renovations and coordinated with The Commons to paint stairwell handrails in contrasting colors for better navigational safety.
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Sensory Mapping: We collaborated with the Neurodivergent Student Club to begin drafting a sensory map of The Commons.
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Virtual Support: We held virtual body doubling sessions on Friday afternoons
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Campus Presence: We represented our community at New Faculty/Staff events, the Faculty Senate, HR’s “Thriving Thursdays” and in other areas.
We’ve expanded the Neurodiversity section of the Women's, Gender & Equity Center library. Visit to borrow:
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A Practical Guide to Teaching Neurodivergent College Students
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The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work
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Neurodiversity at Work: Embracing the Strengths of Diverse Minds: Strategies for Inclusive Workplaces and Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiverse Talent
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Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment
We are officially members of the College Autism Network (CAN). This gives our community access to monthly virtual research sessions, specialized newsletters, and higher-ed resources.
SAVE THE DATE: The 2026 College Autism Summit will be held November 8-11 in Baltimore. The call for proposals ends May 29, 2026.
Finally, we’d like to thank the Women’s Gender & Equity Center for being such gracious hosts to our community.
Thank you for a great year! If you have any suggestions or would like to join our planning meetings, please reach out to the new co-chairs, Dr. Tiffany Banks (Faculty) and Gina Hoagland (Staff).