Umbrella Alliance

04/12/2024

International Day of Disability

Today, we celebrate the advocates worldwide who’ve worked tirelessly to bring recognition and change for people with disabilities/disabled people. Thanks to their combined efforts, inclusion and accessibility have made some improvements—but we still have a long journey ahead.

True equity and inclusion, especially in education, remains a challenge. Young neurodivergent people continue to face barriers in schools that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Let’s honour this day by committing to breaking these barriers and creating schools where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

21/10/2024

🎉 Exciting Announcement: New Project Launch! 🎉

We are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking new initiative designed to empower schools in their journey towards becoming more neuro-inclusive. Our latest project will provide schools with a comprehensive audit tool to assess their level of neuro-inclusion, rate themselves against a national landscape, and identify areas for improvement.

But that’s not all! Schools participating in this project will have the opportunity to obtain accreditation as a neurodiversity-affirming institution, showcasing their commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for all students.

🌟 What This Project Offers:

☂️ Self-Assessment: Schools can evaluate their current practices and policies around neuro-inclusion.
☂️ National Benchmarking: Compare results with other schools across the country to see where they stand.
☂️ Actionable Insights: Receive tailored recommendations for improvement.
☂️ Accreditation: Earn recognition as a neurodiversity-affirming school, demonstrating your dedication to supporting neurodivergent students.

🌟 Call to Action:

We’re looking for passionate individuals and organisations to join our working group and help shape this initiative. If you’re an educator, neurodiversity advocate, policymaker, researcher, parent, student, or community leader, we want to hear from you! Your expertise and insights will be invaluable in making this project a success.

Potential Stakeholders:

☂️ Educators and School Administrators ☂️ Neurodiversity Advocates ☂️ Policymakers and Government Agencies ☂️ Researchers in Education and Neurodiversity ☂️ Parents and Caregivers ☂️ Students
☂️ Non-Profit Organisations Focused on Education ☂️ Community Leaders and Parent Associations

If you’re interested in contributing to this transformative project, please express your interest by contacting us at office@umbrellaalliance.org.

Umbrella Alliance - creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students!

16/10/2024

Join the Movement: ‘RISE’ for Neuro-Inclusive Schools!

Hey there! Imagine a world where every school truly embraces neurodivergent students – where they feel understood, supported, and able to thrive…

Well, that world starts with *RISE*.

This isn’t just some audit or boring checklist. *RISE* is a game-changing movement that gives schools the tools to measure, improve, and showcase their commitment to neuro-inclusion.
By hopping on board with *RISE* schools can track their progress, show off what they're doing right, and get all the resources they need to support every student’s unique needs. Parents get peace of mind knowing their children are in environments that ‘get them,’ while policymakers can finally make the changes we’ve all been asking for.

What’s RISE All About?

*RISE* stands for Recognising Inclusion and Support in Education. It’s a groundbreaking initiative that’s here to make sure schools are celebrating neuro-inclusion in a real way – not just ticking boxes. We’re giving schools the support, tools, and know-how to make sure every student feels like they belong and can shine.

Why Should You Care?

Let’s be real – schools haven’t always done the best job supporting neurodivergent students. They’re often missing the understanding or tools to make their environment inclusive. This is where *RISE* comes in. We’re here to help schools fix those gaps and build spaces where neurodivergent students can thrive.

Why Does This Matter?

☂️ SupportingStudents: Neurodivergent students often feel out of place in traditional school settings. *RISE* helps schools see where they're falling short, so they can make changes that really matter.

☂️ Better Choices for Parents: Parents deserve to know how inclusive their child’s school is. With *RISE*, they’ll get the insights they need to make the best choice for their kids’ education.

☂️ Making Policy Changes Happen: Data is power. *RISE* will provide schools with real insights that will help shape better policies and make sure neurodivergent students get the support they need.

☂️ Schools Get the Help They Needs: Many schools want to do better but just don’t know how. *RISE* gives them the training, recommendations, and resources to make meaningful changes.

☂️ Creating an Inclusive Society: When we foster inclusion in schools, we’re helping to build a society that values and embraces neurodivergent people – and that’s something we all want to be a part of.

Ready to Join Us?

Now, here’s where you come in. We need passionate people like you to be part of this movement. *RISE* is your chance to make a real difference in education and help schools become more inclusive. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about creating a better future for neurodivergent students, we’d love to have you join our working group.

Sound good? Fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) form below, and let’s work together to make sure every student gets the chance to RISE and shine.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ6XflnL9Buvdyajr0AxyNrZdRSAjp7Gw8m_tUdTkvC6Msig/viewform

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Umbrella Alliance Action and Change for the ND Community DISCOVER MORE We Value Community Partnership Equity Sustainability - An Agenda for Action & Change What is ND23? aims to

29/09/2024

Want to see positive change in schools?

Get involved in the development of our ND Schools Project…

Project Explainer: Neuro-Inclusion Audit and Accreditation for Schools

What is the Project About?

We are launching an exciting new initiative to help schools assess and improve their level of neuro-inclusion. The project aims to provide schools with a comprehensive tool that will enable them to evaluate how well they are supporting neurodivergent students and ensure their policies and practices are neurodiversity-affirming.

Our audit system will allow schools to:

• Self-Assess: Evaluate their current policies, practices, and inclusivity levels.
• Benchmark Nationally: Compare their results with other schools across Australia to see how they measure up.
• Identify Gaps: Pinpoint areas where they can improve their understanding and support for neurodivergent students.
• Receive Actionable Recommendations: Get tailored guidance on what steps to take to improve.
• Achieve Accreditation: Earn recognition as a neurodiversity-affirming school, which demonstrates their commitment to creating inclusive learning environments for all students.

Why is This Important?

Many neurodivergent students face significant challenges in mainstream school environments due to a lack of understanding and support for their unique needs. By helping schools assess their level of neuro-inclusion, we aim to:

• Improve student outcomes by creating more supportive learning environments.
• Empower schools to be leaders in inclusivity.
• Highlight best practices and share learnings across schools nationally.

How Will the Audit Work?

The audit tool will cover various aspects of school life, including:

• Teaching Practices: How well teachers accommodate different learning styles and needs.
• School Policies: Policies around reasonable adjustments, support, and accessibility for neurodivergent students.
• Classroom Environment: The extent to which classrooms are designed with neuro-inclusion in mind.
• Staff Training: How well staff are trained to understand and support neurodivergent students.
• Student and Parent Engagement: How schools work with students and their families to ensure they feel supported.

Schools will complete the audit and receive a detailed report that outlines their strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps for enhancing their neuro-inclusivity.

What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Accreditation?

Accreditation is an official recognition for schools that demonstrate strong neurodiversity-affirming practices. This means:

• The school is committed to embracing neurodiversity.
• It has created an environment where neurodivergent students feel supported, understood, and able to thrive.
• The school continuously works to improve its policies and practices to remain inclusive and supportive.

Who Should Get Involved?

We’re looking for passionate individuals and organisations to help shape and support this project. You could be:

• Educators or School Leaders interested in improving neuro-inclusion.
• Neurodiversity Advocates passionate about creating inclusive environments for all students.
• Parents and Students with firsthand experience and insights into what neuro-inclusion should look like in schools.
• Researchers and Policymakers who want to contribute to building a national standard for neurodiversity in education.
• Community Leaders and Organisations eager to partner in driving change.

How to Get Involved

We invite you to join us on this journey! Whether you want to be part of our working group, offer feedback, or contribute in other ways, there are many opportunities to make an impact.

Expression of Interest:
Email us at office@umbrellaalliance.org to express your interest in joining our working group or to learn more about the project.

Together, we can create a brighter future for neurodivergent students by ensuring that schools are inclusive and supportive environments where every student can thrive!

About Umbrella Alliance Australia

This project is part of Umbrella Alliance Australia, a neurodiversity charity dedicated to improving outcomes for neurodivergent youth and children. We’re passionate about creating systems of support and advocacy that enable neurodivergent individuals to succeed in every aspect of life.

29/09/2024

🌟 Expression of Interest: Join Our Working Group!🌟

We’re launching an exciting new project to help schools assess their level of neuro-inclusion, benchmark themselves nationally, and work towards accreditation as neurodiversity-affirming institutions.

Are you passionate about making a difference in education? We’re looking for educators, parents, students, neurodiversity advocates, researchers, and community leaders to join our working group and help shape this initiative.

Interested? Contact us at office@umbrellaalliance.org to get involved!

Let’s work together to create truly inclusive schools for all students! ☂️

11/08/2024

Take Control of Your Neurodivergent Child’s Education Journey…

Navigating the school system as the parent of a neurodivergent child can feel like an uphill battle. Schools, despite their best intentions, often lack the understanding of neurodivergent needs and may present barriers that make it difficult for your child to receive an inclusive education. However, as a parent, you have the power to advocate for your child's rights and take control of their educational journey.

Know Your Rights:

Understanding your child’s rights is the first step in effectively navigating the school system. In Australia, several laws protect your child’s right to an inclusive education. These include the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the Disability Standards for Education, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These frameworks ensure that your child has the right to participate in all aspects of school life on the same basis as their peers, with the necessary adjustments to support their needs.

Common Adjustments You Can Request:

Many parents aren’t aware of the range of adjustments that can be made to support neurodivergent students.

These adjustments might include:

♾️ Sensory-Friendly Environments: Schools can create quiet spaces or provide noise-cancelling headphones to help manage sensory sensitivities.

♾️ Flexible Timetables:
Adjusting the school day or offering part-time attendance can be beneficial for students who struggle with the traditional school schedule.

♾️ Alternative Assessments:
Instead of traditional exams, neurodivergent students might perform better with project-based assessments or oral presentations.

♾️ Access to Assistive Technology: Tools like speech-to-text software or visual scheduling apps can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to succeed.

If your school says they can’t accommodate these or other reasonable requests, don’t accept “no” as the final answer. Schools are legally required to provide these adjustments, although they can refuse when the requested changes are not considered “reasonable” under anti-discrimination laws, or when implementing them would impose a disproportionate burden on the school. Regardless, you have the right to challenge decisions that don’t serve your child’s best interests.

Take Control of the IEP Process:

The Individualised Education Plan (IEP) is your child’s roadmap to success, and you should be actively involved in its creation and ongoing review. Don’t be afraid to question recommendations, suggest changes, or request additional supports. Remember, you know your child better than anyone, and your insights are crucial.
If the school is reluctant to make the necessary adjustments, remind them of their legal obligations under the DDA and other relevant legislation. You have the right to advocate for the best possible education for your child, and that might mean pushing back against decisions that don’t align with their needs.

Empower Yourself as an Advocate:

As a parent, you are not just a bystander in your child’s education—you are their most powerful advocate. Equip yourself with knowledge about your child’s rights and the support they are entitled to receive. If a school tries to act as a gatekeeper, preventing your child from accessing the accommodations they need, stand firm. You have the right to say “no” to decisions that don’t work for your child and to demand better solutions.

Connecting with other parents, support groups (Facebook has loads), and professionals (try LinkedIn) who understand neurodivergent needs can also provide you with valuable resources and encouragement. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and together, we can ensure that all neurodivergent children receive the inclusive education they deserve.

25/07/2024

I’ve recently moved to Carlton in Victoria and opened my books for availability to new clients for coaching. Please share among your networks 🙏

20/05/2024

Enough is enough. I am exhausted.
I am witnessing firsthand the shortcomings of our broken Australian school system, lacking understanding and support for neurodivergent young people.

It's disheartening to see how disorganized this institution is when it comes to catering to their needs. I’m currently living away from my family home with my child, who has become so disengaged with school that his mental health has been severely affected. He’s dysregulated, in fight-or-flight mode, unable to handle even simple questions without experiencing overload.

His disengagement from school began two years ago, with no effective support from school. Despite having a stable home environment with two loving and happily married parents (myself and an internationally recognized neurodiversity advocate, both well-equipped to support his needs), he has withdrawn from school, his family, and life in general.

When will Governments acknowledge that our education system is failing our young people?

Without proper education, these children face bleak economic & health outcomes in the future. With limited prospects, the school-to-prison pipeline is a scary reality.

Parents like me are not just tired; we are broken. I am weary, but I am not alone.

12/05/2024

Happy Mothers Day to all you amazing and hard working mothers out there. I know from past (and present) experience that being an autistic mother of autistic children can be extremely stressful and exhausting, so I’m hoping you get a break today and rest. Do what you want to do (if you can) and forget about all the running around (if possible). It is YOUR day after all. I myself will be avoiding all others, and sitting in bed with a cup of tea and a good book!

09/05/2024

The Surprising Benefits of Balancing Solitude and Social Time: Insights for Well-being and Autonomy of Autistic People.

A recent study delving into the balance between solitude and social time sheds light on its effects on personal well-being, offering especially significant insights for us autistic folx and those who prefer less social interaction.

Conducted over a 21-day period, the research involved 178 participants who meticulously recorded their daily hours of solitude. This approach provided precise insights into how solitude affects well-being while minimizing memory bias, revealing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the ideal balance between solitude and social engagement.

The findings suggest that excessive solitude can lead to feelings of loneliness and reduced life satisfaction. However, these negative impacts are significantly lessened when individuals choose solitude willingly and it doesn't occur as a consistent pattern. On a positive note, solitude also offers notable benefits: on days when participants had more alone time, they experienced reduced stress and heightened feelings of control over their lives, a state researchers identified as "autonomy satisfaction."

For autistic people, the study's implications are particularly empowering. The ability to choose when to be alone is crucial, as forced social interactions can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Autonomy in managing one's social and solitude time not only prevents stress but also enhances overall life satisfaction by aligning with one's innate needs for space and peace.

Moreover, the study reveals that the benefits of chosen solitude, like decreased stress and increased autonomy, accumulate over time. This suggests that regular, self-selected periods of solitude are beneficial, helping maintain lower stress levels and a stronger sense of personal autonomy.

This research highlights the importance of respecting and supporting autistic people's preferences for solitude. By understanding and accommodating these needs, we can help enhance their well-being and allow them to thrive in environments that respect their unique perspectives on social interaction and solitude.

For businesses, workplaces, and schools, acknowledging these findings can lead to more inclusive practices that respect individual needs for solitude and social interaction, ultimately fostering a more supportive and productive environment for all employees and students, especially those who are neurodivergent.

06/02/2024

In exciting news, Umbrella Alliance has just given birth to our newest brain child: ‘Opendaur*’ a Neurodiversity Lifestyle Magazine.

All proceeds will support UA charity projects focusing on improving Neurodiversity In Education ( )

Expressions of interest in contributing, advertising, subscriptions please email office@umbrellaalliance.org

* OpendÂûr, pronounced "open-door," is a name that carries deep significance and multiple layers of meaning, particularly resonating within the neurodivergent community and beyond. The unique spelling with "Âû" is not just a creative choice but a thoughtful representation of several important concepts:

1. Autistic Union: The "Âû" in OpendÂûr symbolises the idea of an autistic union, signifying solidarity and unity among autistic people. This aspect of the name highlights the importance of coming together, supporting one another, and advocating for the rights and recognition of autistic people and other neurodivergent people as a collective.

2. Australian Origins: The "au" in "Âû" subtly nods to the Australian roots of the initiative. By incorporating the internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Australia, "au", into the name, it acknowledges the geographical origin of the project or concept, grounding it in its national context while also embracing a global perspective.

3. Creating Open Doors for All: The pronunciation "open-door" metaphorically signifies creating opportunities, accessibility, and inclusivity for everyone, not just within the neurodivergent community but extending outward to society as a whole. It embodies the mission to open doors to understanding, acceptance, and integration, promoting a world where our neurodivergent community can thrive without barriers.

In essence, OpendÂûr is more than just a name; it's a powerful statement of intent and values. It encapsulates a commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive community that recognises and celebrates the diversity of the human condition, particularly the neurodivergent experience, anchored in its Australian beginnings but with a universal reach.

Read more here:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/opend%C3%A2%C3%BBr-nd-magazine-7160441060215681025

Sneak peek:
Opendaur.com