Course Information
| Session |
|---|
| Credits | 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs |
|---|---|
| Registration dates | We accept registrations through the first week of classes, unless enrollment is full, and unless the class was canceled before it started due to low enrollment. |
Understanding and Supporting Neurodiverse Colleagues
$250.00
Dates: May 4 - May 31October 5 - November 1
Credits: 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs
Awareness of neurodiversity has increased significantly over the past several years, moving beyond autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to include ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette Syndrome among other diagnoses. Library professionals have worked to better understand and provide equitable and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent library users. However, less attention has been paid to supporting the needs of library professionals who are themselves neurodivergent. With an estimated 30 to 40% of adults being neurodivergent along with 3.7 percent of library staff in the United States and 5.9% in Canada having some form of disability, this course will provide critical information to fill this gap. In this course, participants will understand neurodiversity, learn strategies to foster DEI for neurodivergent staff, and develop improved processes to recruit and retain neurodivergent professionals. Neurodivergent library professionals will learn tips for effective communication and relationship building with coworkers, better understand the benefits of avoiding masking, and identify ways to obtain diagnosis and treatment when needed. The course facilitator offers a unique background in being a second career librarian with over 20 years of experience as a master’s level clinical psychologist.
Course objectives include:
• Understand the strengths and challenge of neurodiversity in the workplace
• Identify resources to engage in advocacy and fighting stigma
• Develop tools to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for neurodivergent staff
• Seek out necessary accommodations in the workplace
• Foster processes to recruit, onboard, retain, and develop neurodivergent library staff
• Obtain tips to improve communication with coworkers and address the dangers of masking
• Discover how to obtain a diagnosis and treatment if needed
Course Description
Awareness of neurodiversity has increased significantly over the past several years, moving beyond autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to include ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette Syndrome among other diagnoses. Library professionals have worked to better understand and provide equitable and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent library users. However, less attention has been paid to supporting the needs of library professionals who are themselves neurodivergent. With an estimated 30 to 40% of adults being neurodivergent along with 3.7 percent of library staff in the United States and 5.9% in Canada having some form of disability, this course will provide critical information to fill this gap. In this course, participants will understand neurodiversity, learn strategies to foster DEI for neurodivergent staff, and develop improved processes to recruit and retain neurodivergent professionals. Neurodivergent library professionals will learn tips for effective communication and relationship building with coworkers, better understand the benefits of avoiding masking, and identify ways to obtain diagnosis and treatment when needed. The course facilitator offers a unique background in being a second career librarian with over 20 years of experience as a master’s level clinical psychologist.
Course objectives include:
• Understand the strengths and challenge of neurodiversity in the workplace
• Identify resources to engage in advocacy and fighting stigma
• Develop tools to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for neurodivergent staff
• Seek out necessary accommodations in the workplace
• Foster processes to recruit, onboard, retain, and develop neurodivergent library staff
• Obtain tips to improve communication with coworkers and address the dangers of masking
• Discover how to obtain a diagnosis and treatment if needed
Dawn Behrend
Dawn Behrend is the Associate Dean of Administrative Services at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library at the University of North Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a Master of Business Administration, and a master’s in library science. With extensive expertise in organizational management, project management, and staff development, Dawn brings an interdisciplinary approach to library leadership and operations. She previously worked in the mental health profession and continues to provide workshops, courses, and invited talks on mental health, neurodiversity in libraries, and self-care for librarians. Dawn is a past president of the North Carolina Library Association and is active with the Association of College and Research Libraries, where she has served on several committees and sections.Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn or view her online portfolio.
How to Register
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