Who is NINE?
THE NINE is a global network of educators which is growing each and every day!
Most of us are Neurodivergent teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, speech and language pathologists, special education resource teachers, therapists, social workers, counsellors, child and youth workers, and other folx who work in the systems of Education across the world. Having said that, we also see Education as a community responsibility as we are all co-learners on this journey. As such, we welcome and have members in other sectors as well. We are artists, musicians, CEO's, researchers, sign language interpretors, neuroscientists, anthropologists, advocates, non-profit founders, and so much more!
In addition to being Neurodivergent ourselves, many of us are also parents/guardians of Neurodivergent children.
2020 marked our exciting inaugural year as a global advocacy network, when we welcomed members from Scotland, England and the United States to our network of Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent educators! Since then, we have made amazing connections and built intentional collaborative partnerships with Neurodivergent humans who are advocating and educating all over the world!
Currently, we have ongoing representation and/or collaborative relationships with Neurodivergent leaders in the following countries:
Aotearoa
Canada
England
Finland
Ireland
Kenya
Pakistan
Philippines
Scotland
South Africa
United States
To join our network, or collaborate with us, please dm on Twitter @NINE_On_Can or submit our google form: https://forms.gle/ei3F2z1hHSQnBaXm7
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