9: Inclusivity, Ableism in Higher Ed, an Empathetic Approach

Today on Square Pegs we are joined by Charlotte, a first-year PhD student in Chemistry at UConn. Charlotte, who returned to higher education later in life, understands the importance of strong mentorships and support systems for neurodiverse students. Her story of resilience and crafting the environment to facilitate her own success shows both the trials and triumphs faced by many in the neurodiverse community. Our conversation today strays from our usual format, spending considerable time discussing the theories and systems trying to make higher education more inclusive and those resisting change. Such frank discussions are hard to find in the realm of neuroinclusivity and inspire by highlighting how far we have come, and how far we have left to go.

Square Pegs is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity. 

Send feedback about Square Pegs to [e-mail] or find us at squarepegspodcast.com.

01:05 Guest intro: Charlotte, first-year PhD student in Chemistry at the University of Connecticut

04:50 Charlotte’s inspiration for neurodiverse mentorship and inclusivity based on negative experiences as an undergrad

09:42 Primary school: early diagnosis and learning self-advocacy

14:52 Middle school transition: the importance of resiliency and support systems in early childhood

21:00 Learning to love chemistry and seeing herself as a scientist

27:36 The impact of teacher mentality on student learning and the role of universal design

31:55 The strengths-based approach is taking universal design one step further

36:04 Undergraduate years: throwing a child in the deep end to teach them how to swim

40:02 Correcting the mistakes of past professors: meeting students with empathy

49:31 The systemic ableism of standardized assessment in higher ed and the role of advisors in breaking down barriers

1:06:42 Final thoughts and reflections