Our
Story
Get to Know Us
The Neurodiversity Network of WNY is a grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the Innovation Center-BNMC in Buffalo, NY. This organization was formed in 2019 by Adriana Ragland, LMSW. Adriana was inspired to start this organization because of her neurodivergent son and her passion for social justice work. NNWNY provides community education opportunities, community outreach and events, and support groups for Neurodivergent individuals and their families.
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Who We Are
About Our Logo
Our logo is a representation of the neurodiversity movement and our commitment to embracing the full spectrum of neurological differences. The rainbow-colored infinity symbol captures the beauty, creativity and infinite potential of those who are neurodivergent. It reminds us that everyone has unique strengths and talents, regardless of neurological differences. The Sankofa bird is a symbol from African culture that reminds us that in order to prepare for the future, we must understand the past. The word "Sankofa" can be translated to "go back to the past and bring forward that which is useful." The bird is shown as twisting its beak behind itself, in order to bring forth an egg from its back. We believe that healing begins with education and understanding of what the historical trauma is for the neurodivergent population, followed up by advocacy work aimed towards deconstructing current systems of oppression.
Get Involved
You Can Make a Difference
Make a Donation
Be a Part of Real Change
Donating to the Neurodiversity Network of Western New York is critical in supporting our mission to promote neurodiversity and ensure that all individuals are valued and supported. Your donation will help us provide resources, advocacy, and educational opportunities to neurodiverse individuals, their families, and the community. With your support, we can work together to create a world that embraces and celebrates neurodiversity.
Advocacy Meeting
Become an Active Member
We meet the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm-7:00pm EST. Attending one of our virtual meetings is a great way to connect with the Neurodiversity community, discuss advocacy work, and discover new resources. Our events are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, and they cover a range of topics related to Neurodiversity and advocacy. Whether you are a Neurodivergent individual, caregiver, educator, or ally, we welcome you to join us and be part of the fight for Social Justice.
Volunteer
Join Our Efforts
Volunteering for the Neurodiversity Network of Western New York is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Neurodivergent individuals and their families. We invite you to join our team and help us create a world that values and embraces Neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity Affirming Service Provider List for WNY
Community Events
We understand and value the importance of community.
Our organization hosts community events and workshops. One of our main goals is to bring awareness to the Neurodiversity movement. NNWNY envisions a community where neurological differences are better understood by those around us.
In October of 2023, we hosted our first Conference, Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY at Cradle Beach Camp. Approximately 150 participants gathered at this event to share resources and to learn about Neurodiversity, Intersectionality, what it means to be Neurodiversity-Affirming, and the Social Model of Disability.
Resources
Please view resources linked in this section by clicking learn more section.
We have resources for:
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Self-advocates
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Parents/caregivers
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Teachers
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Community members and allies
Social Groups
COMING SOON
Our social groups provide a fun and engaging environment where children can socialize and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities in a supportive environment. Our social groups are inclusive of all children, regardless of ability, and we believe that all children should feel a sense of belonging in our groups.
We use a strengths-based approach that prioritizes creating a neuroaffirming environment that supports each child's neurological differences. Our activities are tailored to the needs of each child, and our experienced leaders use evidence-based practices to support the development of every child.
Join the Neurodiversity Network
Making Change Possible
The Neurodiversity Network of Western New York is seeking members dedicated to advocating for the use of developmental models and trauma-informed practices in supporting neurodiverse individuals. It's critical that we move away from pathologizing neurodiversity and instead focus on understanding and meeting the unique needs of each individual.
Our goal is to bring together individuals, organizations, and caregivers to promote the use of developmental models and trauma-informed practices in all aspects of care for neurodiverse individuals. These models prioritize building upon individuals' strengths and creating safe, supportive environments that enable growth and development. We can advocate for policy changes that prioritize developmental and trauma-informed care, and we can share resources and expertise to help organizations and caregivers adopt these approaches.
So we invite you to join us in this mission. Let's work together to create a world that values neurodiversity and supports the development of all individuals.
Land Acknowlegement
Neurodiversity Network of Western New York would like to acknowledge that our agency is situated within the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, including the Seneca, Tuscarora, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk nations, and of their Indigenous relations and neighbors, the Erie and the Wenro. We hope to demonstrate respect for the treaties that were made on these territories, and we pledge to work toward partnership with a spirit of collaboration with our current Indigenous neighbors, the Seneca and Tuscaroras.
News
Relevant, Important Updates
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