Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators
Advocating Beyond Walls and Borders to Foster Human Rights Based,
Neuroaffirmative Practice in Education and Beyond !
We would like to acknowledge that many Indigenous Nations from across Turtle Island and across the world have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories and lands upon which our advocacy and community leadership occur. We would like to acknowledge the traditional, ancestral, unceded territories of these Nations, as the struggle for Indigenous rights is deeply connected to all Human Rights work. When we recognize the systemic and social connections within our work, it is also essential that we refuse to historicize these struggles, because doing so ignores the impact of colonial oppression which persists today. In our advocacy efforts, we are committed to disrupting and dismantling the systems of oppression that have dispossessed Indigenous people of their lands and denied their rights to self-determination. This work is essential to human rights work across the world.
NEW! April 2024
#Autistic Excellence:
Highlighting some of the achievements, talents and contributions from within the diverse Autistic community
This new NINE compilation resources contains over 150 Autistic researchers, celebrities, artists, advocates, musicians, authors, athletes and more!
Help broaden the narrative on what it means to be Autistic!
Breaking out our new logo! June 2023
Image Description: The NINE logo, a rainbow infinity symbol with "Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators" on it, is breaking through a red brick wall. A vine with nine green leaves is emerging with the infinity loop. 3-D bricks are flying out from the wall.
Sincerest thanks to allies who took action this year in support of Human Rights based, Neuroaffirmative change in Education and beyond! Special credit to Monika from DDSB Creative Services for turning our vision for our new logo into this incredible reality!
'Actions for Autistic Acceptance' (First edition launched April 2nd, 2023; revised April 2024) (UN designated World Autism Awareness Day), NINE encourages all educators, families and community members to access the resource, and use it to Take Action for Autistic ACCEPTANCE all year round!
It's official! October has been proclaimed Neurodiversity Education and Neurodivergent Acceptance Month in all 8 Municipalities in the Durham Region!
What an excellent first step towards bringing Acceptance, greater understanding, accessibility and equitable opportunities for Neurodivergent humans in the Durham Region and beyond!
Neurodiversity Education and Neurodivergent Acceptance Month (OCTOBER 2022)
Neurodiversity Flag Raisings occurred throughout October 2022 to mark the official proclamation of Neurodiversity Education and Neurodivergent Acceptance Month in Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby and Uxbridge. By the end of October, all 8 municipalities had made this proclamation!
June 18 is Autistic Pride Day!
While every day should be a Pride Day, June 18 has become internationally recognized by members of the #ActuallyAutistic community and their allies as Autistic Pride Day.
For more information on great learning, collaboration and professional development related to Autistic Ways of Being and Neuro-Affirmative practice, check out our Youtube Channel and Intersectional Infinity Website. More offerings to come soon!
Missed the Intersectional Infinity Summit 2022?
March 27-April 2
please check out the Summit website and our new YouTube channel to catch many of the recorded sessions!
OUR VISION:
The "Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators" is dedicated to:
creating safe, accessible and inclusive spaces (both in person and virtual) where Neurodivergent Educators can embrace their authentic selves
intentionally building a professional network in which we can support, learn from and advocate for ourselves, our colleagues, our students and each other, thereby fostering a working and learning environment that is safer, more inclusive and more accessible for all
broadening the narrative about neurodivergent realities by deconstructing biases, building capacity, celebrating neurodivergent talents and inviting informed respectful dialogue at all levels of education
fostering healthy learning communities which challenge all stakeholders to include, value and elevate multiple diverse perspectives which include neurodivergent voices
facilitating the transition from "Awareness" to "Acceptance/Pride"
advocating for inclusive language policies, procedures and practices which include anti-ableist language, and terminology which is responsive to the needs and voices of Neurodivergent communities
actively re-imagining education by fostering equitable opportunities for students, their families and employees who are neurodivergent
bridging communication differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical members of our learning communities, and advocating for the dismantling of oppressive barriers and obstacles which marginalize, stigmatize and minimize the value and role of neurodivergent voices
working collaboratively with other local Affinity Groups and Community Partners to elevate the voices of all who are marginalized, while recognizing and broadening awareness of the unique perspectives that must be considered when intersecting lenses of culture, faith, gender identity and neurodiversity are aspects of one's identity
If not us, then who? #NeurodivergentInfinity #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
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