AHEAD Academy: Neurodiversity Framework- Spring 2026

About this Course

A Neurodiversity Framework for Culturally Responsive Disability Support

Class starts March 9, 2026

With increasing numbers of Neurodivergent students attending colleges and universities each year, staff and faculty may wonder how to provide access and a welcoming environment for these students while supporting their growth and the overall campus community. The scope of Neurodivergence is often misunderstood, and the diagnostic criteria doesn’t begin to go far enough to describe what’s really going on for many, if not most, of our Neurodivergent students. With new information about the impact of COVID-19 on Neurodivergent people, including a rise in diagnoses that fall under the Neurodivergent umbrella, it is more important now than ever to hone our understanding of this complex community, including their culture, accommodation and communication needs, and more. This Academy brings together research and information from the Neurodivergent community, includes ample opportunity to learn from other participants, and is facilitated by two Neurodivergent campus leaders: Sara Sanders Gardner and Emily Raclaw. Each week you’ll come away with a renewed sense of confidence to support this population of students (and staff!), as well as new ideas and motivation to do so. Topics covered include:

What is Neurodiversity? A Guide to Neurodivergence & the Neurodiversity Paradigm.
Cultural Responsiveness: Considering the Whole Person
Supporting Students through Common Challenges: ADA Accommodations, Self-Accommodation, and Self-Advocacy
Accommodations Unwrapped: Supporting Faculty - Pedagogical Practices for Inclusion & Classroom Management
Codes of Conduct: Supporting Students & Maintaining a Learning Environment
Dorm Dynamics: Navigating Neurodivergent College Life
Beyond the Classroom: Moving Towards a Campus Culture for All

Participants will receive practical tools to support implementation and bring training to their campuses.

Course Delivery

Asynchronous Component

The asynchronous component comprises eight (8) modules as outlined below. Each module is expected to take no more than two (2) hours each week to complete. Assessments to include:

Knowledge check quizzes
Peer discussions
Interactive activities with short reflections

Certificate of Completion provided

Synchronous Component

Optional weekly 60-minute Zoom sessions with facilitators and other participants. Depending on the week’s topic, these sessions may include:

1. Themed Discussion + Mini-Lesson

10-min recap or deeper dive on a concept
40 min open discussion or breakout groups
10 min wrap-up/share-outs

2. Live Problem-Solving

Group collaborates on a solution to a real or fictional scenario – in breakouts or as one group

3. Participant-Led Showcases

A few participants share how they applied a concept

Course Instructor

Sarah Sanders Gardner (they/them)

Sara’s work in the disability field began in 2001, when as a newly diagnosed autistic, they served as a parent advocate for IEP meetings, taught parenting classes at United Cerebral Palsy, and were president of a 600-family autism support group in Orange County, CA. In 2011, Sara designed and developed the nationally recognized Neurodiversity Navigators at Bellevue College in Washington State, which has grown to serve over 300 students in tiered services. As director of the program, Sara leads a team of staff, faculty, and peer mentors, designs curriculum, served as faculty in cohort classes for 10 years, and works to support disability inclusion and accessibility across campus. Sara serves as co-chair of the College’s Council for Inclusion and Diversity, sits on the CARE Team, and is a Title IX Investigator. Through their Autistic at Work LLC, Sara also provides workshops and e-Learning in Neurodiversity Cultural Responsiveness for Microsoft Corporation, Amazon Web Services, and other organizations. Most recently, Sara served as technical editor for Wiley Publisher’s recently published “Neurodiversity for Dummies” and “Autism for Dummies” books. Sara has a 35-year-old neurodivergent son, and a 16-year-old dachshund.

Emily Raclaw, MS, LPC, CRC (she/her)

Emily is thrilled to be the Director at On Your Marq. With almost 20 years of experience in disability in education, she brings a wealth of expertise to the program. Being neurodivergent herself, her passion for promoting disability as diversity and embracing neurodiversity is evident in her work. She has delivered presentations at numerous conferences and provided training for other institutions.

Prior to joining Marquette, Emily made a significant impact in the field of disability education, teaching high school special education, working as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and spearheading a college success program tailored for students with disabilities. Her expertise in program development, management, and student support combined with her advocacy for disability rights, further demonstrate her dedication to her profession.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Emily ensures that On Your Marq considers the holistic well-being of every student. Beyond her professional achievements, she cherishes quality time with her family, her son, husband, and beloved dogs. An avid traveler, Emily enjoys sharing her travel tips and experiences with others.

Emily looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Registration & Pricing

Register Online

AHEAD Members - $250.00 (Requires sign in with current AHEAD membership information)
Non-Members - $350.00

AHEAD offers a "Pay by Invoice" option for this course and all other products on its eLearning platform. However, to receive access to your purchase and to begin this course, you MUST contact AHEAD and make a full payment if you are paying by check or purchase order BEFORE this course begins. You may also pay your invoice using your credit card by selecting your purchases in your profile on the eLearning platform, or via the Order Number link or View Order link in the Order Confirmation email that will be sent to your email address after registering.

This AHEAD Academy course is designed to be completed on or before May 15, 2026. Students who do not complete the course by this date will not receive a certificate. Requests for time extensions are subject to instructor approval and are not guaranteed. Refunds for registrations/payment are available only by contacting AHEAD prior to the first day (Monday, March 9, 2026) of this course. Refunds are only offered in cases of emergency or unforeseen circumstances and only by written request sent to AHEAD by email at profdev@ahead.org.

We strongly encourage you to follow the timeline set by the instructor to allow time for grading between modules. Assignments for each module must be graded as "Passed” before you are able to move to the next module.

Registration MUST be made in the name and email of the student taking the class. Not supervisor, admin, Purchasing Department, etc.

Did you register for the course? You can access the course beginning at 9 am EST on Monday, March 9, 2026.

If you have questions, please contact profdev@ahead.org

Logistics

All video presentations in the course are pre-recorded for asynchronous viewing. They all include captioning.
AHEAD staff are available for additional assistance as needed.
AHEAD will provide a “Teaching Assistant” and technical help to support the class.

Course Access

Registrants May
Access the Course
beginning at 9 am EST on
Monday, March 9, 2026