Welcome
This site is under construction and will continue to evolve as we strive to create a website that is accessible for all. We are excited you are here!
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.
We are a non-profit organization that advocates for the acceptance and belonging of neurodivergent individuals, such as those who are autistic, have ADHD, and other developmental and neurological differences. Our mission is to create a more equitable and inclusive society by recognizing the importance of intersectionality and decolonization. We strive to promote acceptance and belonging by centering strengths and advocating for neuroaffirming developmental models that meet the needs of individuals, with an emphasis on choice, self-determination, and agency.
Our goal is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their neurodivergent status, can reach their fullest potential. We provide education and training programs, community outreach, and support groups for neurodivergent individuals and their families. We believe in a world that values and celebrates neurodiversity and where all individuals are supported to reach their full potential.
We welcome you to join us in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society. Thank you for considering supporting our mission!
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Who We Are
Our Roots
We are a grass roots non-profit organization located in Buffalo, NY. This organization was formed in 2019 by Adriana Ragland, LMSW. Our mission is to provide education about neurodiversity and the importance of using trauma informed practices within local agencies and organizations.
About Our Logo
The rainbow-colored infinity symbol is a symbol for neurodiversity. The full spectrum of colors represents the diversity of the autism spectrum and the greater neurodiversity movement. It symbolizes a broad and varied spectrum of experiences. The idea of endless possibilities and untapped potential resonate through this symbol providing a simple and recognizable concept in one. 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, learn from experts, 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, such as advocacy, mental health, and education. Whether you are a neurodiverse individual, caregiver, educator, or ally, we welcome you to join us and be part of the conversation.
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 neurodiverse 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
If you are interested in being added to our list of service providers, then please complete the form below. Please only complete this form if you provide services to the western NY area.
Consulting Services
The Neurodiversity Network of Western New York offers consulting services that focus on promoting understanding and respect for neurodiversity, and creating more inclusive and equitable environments for neurodivergent individuals. Our consulting services are grounded in the principles of intersectionality and decolonization, and are designed to support organizations in creating more equitable and inclusive environments that value the diversity of all individuals. Our consulting services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client and can include:
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Capacity building and education: We provide customized learning and educational programs to help organizations and individuals better understand the experiences and needs of neurodivergent individuals, and to promote best practices for inclusion and support.
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Program evaluation: We offer program evaluation services to help organizations assess the effectiveness of their current programs and initiatives, and to identify areas for improvement.
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting: We offer DEI consulting services to help organizations create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments for all individuals, including neurodivergent individuals.
Community Event:
Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY
We understand and value the importance of community.
Tickets For this Event are Sold Out.
We are excited to announce that NNWNY is hosting a community event:
Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY. We strive for this event to be as inclusive as possible. To that end, we have selected to hold this event at Cradle Beach. One of our main goals as an organization is to bring awareness to the Neurodiversity movement. NNWNY envisions a community where “unseen” or neurological disabilities are better understood by those around us.
On October 11,2023, participants will have the exciting opportunity to listen to the voices of leaders in the community as we discuss and explore neurodiversity. Participants at this event will be provided a rare opportunity to gather, share resources, and develop creative and innovative solutions to the racial, social, and educational disparities that many disabled people face today. Our hope is that stakeholders will work with each other on current issues and walk away with actionable steps to help improve current conditions for the neurodivergent population in our community. Please register below to obtain a ticket for this event, Tickets are donation based, please pay what you can to help support our organization.
Sponsored by:
Cradle Beach, ICDL, People Inc. Neuroawesome life, Ambient sound healing, Owl Moon Healing and Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center
Resources
The Future Looks Bright
Please take a look at resources linked in this section by clicking the learn more section. We have some 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, make new friends, and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities in a supportive, welcoming 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.
Our social activities are led by licensed social workers and special education teachers who are also neurodivergent, bringing a unique perspective to the dynamic that helps them better understand the needs and strengths of neurodivergent children. We use a strengths-based approach that prioritizes creating a neuroaffirming environment that validates and supports each child's neurological differences. Our activities are designed to be developmental in nature and provide a safe and supportive environment where neurodivergent children can learn, grow, and form meaningful connections with their peers.We offer a variety of activities, such as games, crafts, and discussions, that are designed to promote positive interactions and encourage the development of important functional emotional developmental capacities and emotional regulation. Our activities are tailored to the needs of each child, and our experienced leaders use evidence-based practices to support the growth and development of every child.
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.
By joining NNWNY, we can work to promote these models and practices within our communities and beyond. 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 growth and development of all individuals. Contact us today to confirm your interest in joining NNWNY.
News
Relevant, Important Updates
Contact Us
