a student sits in a library in front of his laptop

Work-Integrated Learning for Neurodivergent Students

Transforming work-integrated learning towards neuro-inclusive change. 

I thrive at the University of Calgary because of the community I have that allows me to be me.

Alex Paquette

PhD candidate (Earth. Energy, and Environment)

Join UCalgary's neuro-inclusion movement

Show that neurodivergent students can and do thrive at UCalgary. Share your story. 

Individuals from equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) are especially encouraged to share their experiences. 

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Neurodiversity refers to the different ways people experience and interact with the world - including ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing their environment.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) is any work-based learning opportunity that students get credit for in their degree programs. Different types of WIL include mandatory clinical or field placements, service learning, internships, co-ops, and others.

Try out Tactile Toolkits

Now available in offices across campus, Tactile Toolkits come with a variety of tactile tools for you to spin, twist, pop, and explore. 

A variety of tactile tools contained in a tactile toolkit box

Tactile tools 3D printed at the Schulich School of Engineering with open access designs provided by printables.com.

Elyse Bouvier

a box labelled Tactile Toolkit containing a variety tactile tools

Elyse Bouvier

What is a tactile tool?

Tactile tools, sometimes called ‘stims’ or ‘fidgets’, are small objects that provide tactile stimulation to help people focus and self-regulate. 

 

Neuro-inclusion news at UCalgary

Read about neuro-inclusion already happening across campus.

Samiha Hoque sits with her laptop at the Taylor Institute for teaching and learning

Class of 2024: Community builder seized every student life opportunity

Faculty of science grad Samiha Hoque took on a cause close to her heart as a student partner to the WIL ND Initiative.

Read more
Greta Heathcote at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

Be curious: Supporting neurodivergence in the workplace

Associate director of the WIL ND Initiative Greta Heathcote discusses her personal motivations for supporting neuro-inclusion in the workplace.

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Dr. Kristen Gillespie Lynch, PhD at the taylor institute for teaching and learning

A conversation with Dr. Kristen Gillespie Lynch, PhD

Neurodiversity advocate and research Dr. Kristen Gillespie Lynch names solidarity as the key to system change for the neurodiversity movement.

Read more

Neurodiversity support across campus

The WIL ND Initiative builds on other important activities that support equitable pathways for neurodivergent students. Find other neuro-inclusive services across campus. 

Neurodiversity Support Office

Looking for 1-on-1 support? As part of Student Wellness Services, the Neurodiversity Support Office offers individual advising sessions via appointment or drop-in as well as neurodiversity workshops and education.

Neurodiversity Support Office

Student Accessibility Services

Need accommodations in your coursework? Students registered with Student Accessibility Services can access accommodations on a per course basis. 

Student Accessibility Services

Centre for Career and Personal Development

Want support on planning and growing your career? The Centre for Career & Personal Development provides career advising, a life design program, and career fairs to connect you with industry and community partners.

Centre for Career and Personal Development

Student Success Centre

Interested in academic support? The Student Success Centre offers students at all levels opportunities to develop their academic skills through inclusive resources, workshops, and appointments.

Student Success Centre

Other resources

NICE Days

Hosted by NICE or the neurodiversity Immersive Campus Experience team, NICE days are a two-day campus experience for oncoming undergraduate students who identify as neurodivergent.

Learn more

Azrieli Accelerator

The Azrieli Accelerator supports transdisciplinary teams in developing new neurodevelopmental interventions and treatments to enable improved outcomes for children, youth, and adults.

Learn more

Experience Catalogue

The experience catalogue is a searchable hub for all different kinds of experiential learning opportunities happening across campus.

Learn more

Sinneave Family Foundation

About The Sinneave Family Foundation

The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) works to reduce barriers and facilitate opportunities for autistic youth and adults to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities and to realize their desired futures. Sinneave draws on expertise and experience in innovative program and service development, knowledge sharing and collaborative community activities that generate lasting outcomes.

UCalgary and The Sinneave Family Foundation

Partnering with The Sinneave Family Foundation and learning from their deep expertise, resources and programs will bolster the success and sustainability of work-integrated learning programs and support equitable participation in these programs for neurodiverse students.