Neurodiversity and Diverse Abilities Icon

Strategic Action 2.2: Neurodiversity & Diverse Abilities

Developing a framework to embrace neurodiversity and support the diverse abilities of all learners in our classrooms.

An Inclusive Vision

甜心直播 is committed to an inclusive programming model where nearly all students, regardless of their needs or abilities, can learn and thrive in their community school. We have developed and presented a new vision for supporting diverse learners, including those who are neurodiverse or have complex needs, to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

A Multi-faceted Approach

To bring our vision to life, we are taking a comprehensive approach that includes strategic resource allocation, creating sensory-friendly spaces, providing targeted professional development for staff, and enhancing our collaboration with families and community partners. Every action is designed to build our capacity to support the diverse needs of our students.

What We've Accomplished

Neurodiversity graphic

Articulate a Vision

  • Developed and presented a new vision to the school board for supporting diverse and neurodiverse learners.
Speech pathologist with child

Resource Allocation and Staffing

  • Implemented a Student Support Resource Allocation Framework to prioritize student needs.
  • Increased divisional Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy time.
  • Assigned clinical time to the School and Classroom Support Team to build school capacity.
  • Assigned divisional Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) time to build capacity for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
  • Established a priority hierarchy for OT, SLP, and Physiotherapy services.
  • Increased full-time equivalent (FTE) for divisional developmental music and gym.
  • Created a database to prioritize clinical service distribution based on student needs.
Sensory room with soft carpet, hanging LED strand, and chair

Space Development

  • Developed movement, sensory, and developmental spaces in 19 schools.
  • Added four ceiling-mounted indoor swings to support student regulation.
Close up of clinician hands and chest and child with knees to chest

Professional Development (PD) and Training

  • Integrated professional development for supporting neurodiverse learners into mandatory Student Services Teacher PD.
  • Trained additional staff in PATH/MAPS to support students transitioning to adulthood.
  • Began supporting clinical services to build school capacity around executive functioning.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Technology and Tools

  • Added 30 trial iPads to support communication for non-speaking students.
  • Added 40 laptops to help students with learning disabilities access Microsoft Learning Tools.

Transition Planning

  • Established a working group with parents and staff to create and refine transition protocols for students with additional needs.

Where We're Going

Diverse people with hands in, forming a heart-like shape

Divisional Framework

  • Finalize a framework that articulates the vision, best practices, and resources for supporting neurodiverse students.
Neon glowing toys

Facilities and Sensory Supports

  • Equip all elementary schools with movement, sensory, and developmental spaces, including required staff training.
  • Begin adding FM systems to all kindergarten classes to support learning and regulation.
Child using AAC device

Transitions and Post-School Planning

  • Fully implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for all non-speaking students where appropriate.
Hands on a desk, signifying working together

Planning and Programming

  • Standardize the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process to align with the resource allocation model.
  • Ensure a comprehensive programming approach for all students up to age 21.