Student Accessibility Support

Neurodiversity in Higher Education

Date: Monday, March 17th, 2025,  12pm - 1pm

Location: Hybrid (in-person at the Shapiro Campus Center Multipurpose Room and on Zoom)

Zoom Link Information: https://brandeis.zoom.us/j/97091685899

Description: Please join us for a kick-off to Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Kim Johnson, Director of Student Accessibility Support (SAS), will provide an overview for participants to learn more about neurodiversity from a strength-based perspective and how higher education practitioners can foster an inclusive environment. We will host a brown bag lunch and learn. This event is open to students, faculty, and staff.  Snacks and refreshments will be provided!

Students Talk Neurodiversity

Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, 1pm - 2pm

Location: Hybrid (in-person at the Shapiro Campus Center Multipurpose Room and on Zoom)

Zoom Link Information: https://brandeis.zoom.us/j/92540769130

Description: Student Accessibility Support (SAS) will have a panel of current undergraduate students who identify as neurodivergent to talk about what neurodiversity means to them, experiences with self-advocacy, and more. We will also open up the event to questions from the audience. This event will be offered in a hybrid format, with Zoom link above.  Free lunch from Anna's Taqueria will be served!

Deisvergent's Special Interest PowerPoint Day

Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, 4pm - 5:30pm

Location: Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) Room 313

Description: Learn what special interests are and celebrate your peers' neurodivergent special interests in this event. Fidgets and coloring will be provided!

Sponsored by Deisvergent, SAS's student-run neurodiversity and neurodivergence affinity group for students.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace Webinar

Date: Thursday, March 20th, 2025, 1pm - 2pm

Location: Zoom 

Zoom link: https://brandeis.zoom.us/j/98973108120

Description: Please join us for a conversation with neurodivergent professionals (and Brandeis alum!) and Human Resources specialists to share their experience and insights related to Neurodiversity in the Workplace. Topics will include: Searching for roles and organizations that are inclusive,  advice for applying and interviewing, self-disclosure, self-advocacy, and accommodations, effective communication with colleagues, and additional resources/tools for career success.

Learn how to use Kurzweil 3000 (text-to-speech software) 

Date: Thursday, March 20th, 2025, tabling from 10am - 1pm 

Location: Usdan Student Center, East Entrance Lobby

Description: Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology, text-to-speech software, that supports in making course curricula accessible and is free for all Brandeis students, faculty, and staff.  Stop by our table for a tutorial and get your questions answered on how to use this software with your course readings and materials to enhance your learning!

Hosted by Student Accessibility Support (SAS).

Words with Friends: Diving into Writings on Disabilities and Sharing Reflections 

Date: Thursday, March 20th, 2025, 3pm - 4pm 

Location: Goldfarb Library, outside entrance of Rapaporte Treasure Hall (by sofas/sitting area)

Description: Join the SAS graduate student Peer Accessibility Liasions (PALs) for a reading event at the Library.  We will read our favorite texts and reflect on them together. There is also a chance to enter into a raffle for a surprise book "give-away!"

Hosted by Student Accessibility Support (SAS).

Pledge Your Support for Neurodiversity!

Dates:  Throughout the week (dates and times below)

We will be tabling throughout the week with a Pledge for Brandeis Community Members to sign to pronounce your support for Neurodiversity on campus.  We will also have resources and other giveaways!   Tabling will be the following times and locations:

• Tuesday 3/18/25: 11am - 2pm,  Upper Usdan Dining Area
• Thursday 3/20/25: 11am - 2pm,  Shapiro Campus Center Atrium
• Friday 3/21/25: 11am - 2pm,  Usdan East Lobby

March Book Display: Celebrate Neurodiversity

Date:  All month long (March 2025)

Location: Farber Library, 1st Floor

Description: In coordination with Student Accessibility Support, Brandeis Library is participating in Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17-21, 2025). Stop by their book display throughout the month of March to find books by neurodivergent authors, books about neurodiversity, and fiction and comics featuring neurodivergent characters. The book display is located on Farber 1, around the corner from Starbucks. You can also view ebooks in the themed collection on DeisGallery.

Direct link to the DeisGallery ebook collection

Hosted by the Brandeis Library and Student Accessibility Support (SAS)

Sensory Friendly Space in the Oasis Lounge

Date:  All week! 

Location: Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) Room 328

Description: Take a moment to escape the academic hustle and take a break at the Oasis Wellness Lounge, your haven for relaxation located in the Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) room 328. The Oasis Wellness Lounge is situated in the shared office suite of the Office of Health and Wellness Promotion (HAWP) and Department of Orientation and First Year Experience. Open hours are listed on HAWP's website and staffed by Bridge to Wellness peer educators, First Year and Midyear Ambassadors, and interns.  

• De-stress with sensory items and fidget toys
• Color or draw in a relaxing environment
• Sip tea or coffee and unwind
• Nap on a couch or comfy Moon Pod bean bag chair
• Connect with peers.

Hosted by HAWP and the Dept. of Orientation and First Year Experience

Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) Office Hours in the Sensory Friendly Space in the Oasis Lounge

Dates:  Tuesday, March 18th, 2:30pm - 4pm & Friday, March 21st, 1:15pm - 2pm

Location: Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) Room 328 (*Note: A private space will also be available as needed for BCC office hours).

Description: Questions on what supports for your mental health are available on or off campus? Looking for more information on how to access testing for neurodivergence? Interested in therapy or medication and unsure where to start or what services or supports could be helpful?  Sarah Reilly LCSW from the BCC will be available for office hours to help answer questions and connect you to available resources!