ADCET Webinar: “I feel like the University is not made for people like me” - Embedding neuro-affirming practices and building a neurodiverse community in the Library

RMIT successfully launched Neurodiverse Study Sessions (NSS) as part of their commitment to supporting diverse student populations, particularly those who identify as neurodivergent. As RMIT experienced an increase in students sharing their neurodivergence, they recognised the need for a supportive study environment to accommodate those students.

This presentation shared the background that led up to the initial pilot, through to how the Library successfully implemented this into their suite of learning supports as well as what the service looks like now. It also explored how the NSS serves as a valuable model that other institutions could adopt.

Key Features of NSS

• Spacious and Flexible Environment
• Structured Breaks
• Wellness Support
• Access to Study Support

Creating the Right Atmosphere

NSS emphasises a calm and inviting atmosphere. With dimmed lighting and a quiet (but not silent) environment, the ideal setting is created for focused study. Importantly, NSS sessions were designed to be non-competitive, allowing students to work together without the pressure of judgment or comparison.

“For me, the Neurodiverse Study Sessions have been the most productive hours in my weeks. I have even occasionally achieved more in these sessions than in the week between sessions. The difference between these inclusive 'islands' and every other study environment on campus is profound.” - RMIT Student

Future Considerations

As NSS gains popularity, RMIT plans to expand the frequency and duration of these sessions, exploring targeted offerings for specific student groups, such as postgraduate and at-risk students. It is important that these services continue to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the university community.

Presenters

Jacinta Jones-O’Meara is the current Accessibility Coordinator with the Equitable Learning and Accessibility Team at RMIT. She works to deliver systemic changes through various disability project throughout the university. Jacinta’s projects range from curating, creating, and delivering training on disability awareness to working with services such as the library to embed inclusive actions. Jacinta has been working at RMIT for over 12 years, first joining as a Disability Advisor.

Joshua Muir is an Academic Skills Advisor in Writing, Maths & Science with Study Support, in the Learning Team in RMIT Library. His work is centred around holistically improving the student experience at RMIT, through uplifting various projects related to academic success, including the Neurodiverse Study Sessions and the recently awarded Generative Artificial Intelligence Module (for Students). Josh has been working with RMIT for a little over 12 months and has worked in similar roles at Victoria University.

Adam Ferris is an Academic Skills Advisor in English and Writing with Study Support, in the Learning Team in RMIT Library. His background is in applied linguistics, foreign languages and TESOL, having been a middle-school English teacher in Shanghai before moving back to Australia to study his masters in 2019. Since entering the tertiary sphere in 2021, his passions have been ensuring student success and retention for at-risk students, particularly neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ students.

(November 2024)

ADCET is hosted by the University of Tasmania