Renowned writer, neuro-diversity activist and author Jonathan Mooney vividly, humorously and passionately brings to life the wonderful world of neuro-diversity: the research behind it, the people who live in it, and what it can teach those of us who care about the future of education. Explaining the latest theories, Mooney helps teachers and parents redefine how students in the 21st century can think, learn, and be successful. He provides concrete examples of how to prepare students and implement frameworks that best support their academic and professional pursuits.
This presentation will draw on the best practices of inclusion to challenge the audience to commit to inclusive educational environments that view learning disabilities not as individual flaws but as a result of environmental constraints. Mooney will describe how inclusive educational environments frame learning disabilities as a form of human diversity and thus take steps to include them within a larger diversity and civil rights paradigm. These environments have a strength-based, human-centered design approach to engaging and empowering, rather than pathologizing, people with cognitive and physical differences. Mooney will draw on research in inclusion and neuro-diversity to share best practices from communities around the world, affirming and celebrating the inclusive movement as a fight for every human being’s right to be different.