Equipping Professionals to Serve Students Equitably and Effectively

Neurodiversity & Inclusion Certificate

Program Description

Designed for teachers, administrators, and all other professionals whose work impacts students within and outside of schools, the VT-HEC Neurodiversity & Inclusion program aims to support participants in shifting their own professional practice to become increasingly neurodiversity-affirming. While the previous program focused primarily on autism, the current course sequence has broadened in scope to consider all neurodivergent identities, including ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning and thinking differences.

Participants who complete the program’s full course sequence will receive a graduate certificate in Neurodiversity and Inclusion and will leave with a robust set of skills in high-impact areas, such as implementing Universal Design for Learning; ethically, equitably and effectively guiding behavior; and providing appropriate supports around executive function and regulation.

Program graduates will be prepared to share their knowledge with colleagues and help lead the work of their districts in this important area.

Why Neurodiversity?

In the Neurodiversity Paradigm, the varied ways in which people experience, process, and navigate the world are viewed as a source of strength and acknowledged for the richness they add to our communities, both within schools and beyond. Embracing this perspective allows professionals to more effectively meet the learning needs of all students while adopting strategies that support agency, autonomy, and growth in the context of genuine inclusion. 

Application and Program Requirements

Enrollment in the full certificate program requires a Bachelor’s Degree and submission of a letter of intent to the program director.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact the program director, Hannah Markos at [email protected].

Neurotangents, a neurodiversity podcast

Program Timeline + Course Descriptions

Professionals can take the program at the pace that works best for them. Most participants take one course per semester, with core courses typically offered in spring and fall and electives available in summer. The program can be completed in 2- 3 years or more, depending on the participant’s individual pace. 

Some of the courses and workshops offered through the NDI program may be taken by any interested participant as a stand-alone experience.

This program is designed with the working professional in mind. Many of the courses are workshop based, with strong emphasis on field work and application of concepts. Most courses are offered online and include synchronous meetings and substantial feedback and support, while offering the flexibility of asynchronous work. Although future courses may include an in-person component, all courses will offer an online-only option to limit barriers to participation as much as possible.

Core Courses

Must take all five to earn the certificate.

An introduction to the history, major concepts, and key vocabulary central to the Neurodiversity movement and paradigm, with a focus on Neurodiversity Affirming, Trauma Informed teaching and resisting ableism and implicit bias by building reflective practices.

An exploration of UDL in the context of neurodiverse classrooms with an emphasis on creating cultures of belonging and troubleshooting scenarios where student needs may be in conflict. 

The history and evolution of behavioral modalities and interventions in Special Education provides grounding and context for this course’s central themes: holistically and effectively understanding the origins of behavior; creating learning environments that reduce barriers to access and meet students’ needs; and providing affirming and effective supports to all students

An investigation of the sensory components of cognition and communication, resulting in a foundational understanding of the neurobiological development of sensory processing and the importance of integrating the senses for functional and accessible learning and communication.

This course supports professionals across disciplines in building key skills and background knowledge that will enable them to advocate for students in an increasingly effective and neurodiversity-affirming way.

Elective Courses

Must take at least one to earn the certificate.

In addition to the 5 core courses, participants are required to complete at least one elective course. Elective course topics include: executive function, ADHD as a Neurodivergent identity, demystifying barriers to connection between educators and Neurodivergent students, and more.

New electives are offered as they are developed and aim to meet a wide range of interest areas.

GUIDING YOU WITH EXPERTISE

Course Instructors

  • Kelly Cray, M.Ed.

  • Hannah Markos, M.Ed.

  • Molly Bumpas, M.Ed, CCC-SLP, BCBA

  • Hannah Bloom, MOTR/L

  • Leah Sophrin, M.S., CCC-SLP

Upcoming Courses

View All

  • Neurodiversity Centered Practices for Collaboration & Advocacy (Course)

    Neurodiversity Centered Practices for Collaboration & Advocacy (Course)

    Start of Day,

    2025

    Start of Day

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Supporting Student Behavior (Course)

    Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Supporting Student Behavior (Course)

    April 5,

    2025

    8:30 am