Since 2008, The University of North Texas has been honored to employ and collaborate with dedicated members and advocates of the neurodiverse community to establish, sustain, and grow various student, staff, faculty, and community programs. While each effort is unique, they all work to the common goal of educating advocates and supporting members of the neurodiverse community. Below is a timeline summarizing the efforts and gains we have made to cultivate a university committed to members and advocates of the neurodiverse community.
Our History
2008 – Autism Task force established out of PACS (now HPS)
– Autism Research Cluster formed.
2012 – Kristin Farmer Autism Center opened.
2014 – TNF (Tuesday Night Flight) student support group created. This was first a staff-led support group and later became a student organization. Replaced by UNT EPIC in 2020.
2015 – College Success 101 class developed for students who are neurodivergent. This was discontinued.
2016 – Training of UNT faculty and staff on neurodivergence, at that time titled the “Blue Zone” training.
– 2nd Autism Research Cluster approved by Vice President for Research
– Autism Institute Roadmap developed
– UNT “Neurodiversity Ambassadors” identified to support UNT neurodivergent students
2017 – Neurodiversity Training 101 was developed and offered to faculty and staff.
– Neurodiversity Career Fair hosted at UNT in Collaboration with Texas Workforce Commission
– Development of UNT ENGAGE (Embracing Neurodiverse Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment) which was endorsed by then UNT President Neal Smatresk. In 2019, funding was obtained from the Texas Workforce Commission which enabled program extension and strengthening of services.
– Blue Ribbon Panel commissioned to review and provide feedback on UNT’s proposed Autism Institute
2018 – STEM at the Park! was created – a summer camp for students with disabilities in STEM areas, with an emphasis on those who are neurodivergent.
– UNT Eagle Chat, a peer support group for UNT students was established.
2018 – “Blue Zone Training” revamped to provide faculty and staff with 3-4 hour comprehensive training on specific strategies to effectively work with and support neurodivergent students. As on 2021, this training is offered on UNT Bridge.
2019 – The Spectrum Support and Self-Advocacy Group for faculty and staff members who are on the Autism spectrum was established. This became the UNT Neurodiversity Professional Employee Resource Group (ERG) in 2020.
– UNT CAN (residence hall for neurodivergent students) opened. This program was re-vamped for the 2023 school year.
2020 – Invited Speaker Series on neurodiversity began.
– UNT EPIC (Empowering Personal Interactions in the Community) was created and funded by a private donor to provide organized social, philanthropic, and learning opportunities for neurotypical and neurodivergent young adults ages 18+
– Neurodiversity Professional Employee Resource Group (ERG) formed with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
2021—Blue Zone Training is fully online and loaded into Bridge for all UNT faculty and staff to take.
2022 – Funding by Bruzzy Westheimer to create six Neurodiversity Training Modules on effective interaction strategies with neurodivergent individuals.