Neurodiversity Celebration Week
March 23rd – March 27th, 2026
Join us for our inaugural Neurodiversity Celebration Week at 51黑料网! Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff are invited to explore the strengths, creativity, and perspectives of neurodivergent community members while building a more inclusive and supportive campus culture.
Featured Keynote Speaker
Kaelynn Partlow
Autism advocate, author, and participant on Netflix’s hit show, Love on the Spectrum
March 23rd, 2026
1:00pm – 2:00pm
MacVittie College Union Ballroom
Kaelynn Partlow Bio
Kaelynn Partlow was diagnosed with autism at the age of 10. She is best known for her appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, where she became a recognizable and relatable voice for autism advocacy. Through her social media platforms, Kaelynn reaches millions with a message of meaningful inclusion, practical strategies, and systemic change.
She is the author of Life on the Bridge, a book that draws from both her personal experiences and professional expertise to bridge the gap in understanding between autistic and non-autistic people.
Since joining Project Hope Foundation in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician, Kaelynn has played a key role in leading therapy sessions, mentoring staff, developing training materials, and providing nationwide autism education as a public speaker.
Schedule of Events
Continue to check back here for the daily schedule of events!
Monday, March 23rd
Keynote
1:00pm-2:00pm
MacVittie College Union Ballroom
Tuesday, March 24th
Canine Cuddle Corner
10:00am-12:00pm
MCU Fireside Lounge
Take a well鈥慸eserved PAWS from your busy day and recharge with certified therapy dogs, Myko, Rose, and Sammy! Whether you need a study break, a moment of calm, or just some joyful dog time, these beloved furry friends are ready to offer tail wags, gentle snuggles, and plenty of pawsitive energy.
Faculty, Staff and Student Neurodiversity Panel
3:30pm-4:30pm
Milne Library – Multipurpose Room A
Join us for a thoughtful and energizing neurodiversity panel featuring faculty, staff, and students who will share their own lived educational and life experiences. Through open conversation, panelists will discuss their learning journeys, the realities of navigating academic and campus life, and the insights they wish others in the campus community understood about neurodiversity. This session offers a welcoming space to listen, learn, and deepen your understanding of how diverse minds experience and enrich our community.
Movie Night: The Disruptors
5:00pm-7:00pm
Multicultural Center
The Disruptors is an internationally recognized, award-winning documentary highlights experiences among people with ADHD. Refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday, March 25th
Lunch and Laugh
LGTBQ+ Life and OAS Collaboration Event!
11:30am-12:30pm
Milne Library – Multipurpose Room A
Take a break, grab a bite, and get ready to laugh. We will be showing Hannah Gadsby’s Netflix comedy special. Hannah proudly identifies as both neurodivergent and part of the LGBTQ+ community鈥攂ringing humor with heart, perspective, and plenty of personality. Come enjoy good food, good company, and a mid鈥慸ay mood boost that鈥檒l carry you through the rest of your day.
Beyond Diagnosis: Navigating Neurodiverse Identities and Mental Health
3:30pm-4:30pm
Bailey 101
What does neurodiversity look like outside of formal diagnosis? How does a diagnosis (or lack thereof) shape one’s identity, self-advocacy, and sense of community? How has social media informed our understanding of these topics? Join members of Counseling Services for a conversation about evolving understandings of neurodiversity and mental health.
Thursday, March 26th
Build Your Own Sensory Kit
10:00am-2:00pm (while supplies last)
OAS Sensory Room (Erwin 014)
Stop by and build yourself a sensory kit with the Accessibility Advocates! We will have plenty of different fidget toys, stickers and other self care materials to choose from!
Neurodiverse Alumni Workshop
3:30pm-4:30pm
Virtual
Join us for a candid, connection鈥慺ocused workshop led by two alumni who identify as neurodivergent and are excited to share what life after college has really looked like for them. Through open conversation, personal stories, and plenty of real鈥憌orld insight, they鈥檒l explore the challenges, surprises, and strengths that shaped their journeys beyond graduation. This is a space to learn, reflect, ask questions, and hear their perspectives on navigating post鈥慶ollege life with authenticity and confidence.
Friday, March 27th
Faculty Lunch and Learn: Teaching an an Inclusive Practice
This event is for faculty only
12:00pm-1:30pm
Hunt Room (Union)
The workshop provides faculty with strategies to support neurodiverse students and improve the learning for all.聽 Participants will explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ways to create an inclusive and welcoming classroom聽climate, and evidence-based teaching strategies to increase focus and engagement. The workshop will emphasize strategies that are practical and applicable across disciplines.
A catered lunch will be available at 12:00pm. Pleaseby March 13th. Attendance is capped at 50.
Unlocking Your Unique Path
2:00pm-3:00pm
Bailey 105
Join Paris Interdonato-Carreras (Class of ’24 and CEO of Mastery Rising) for an empowering workshop on building a personalized career plan. Get the inside scoop on Paris’ journey as an autistic founder, and how she decided to build a product that is both impactful, and inclusive. Using the Mastery Rising platform, you鈥檒l gain practical tools to navigate your career journey with clarity and confidence.
Accessibility Statement
If you require an accommodation for equal access to this event, please contact our office (The Office of Accessibility Services) via email at access@geneseo.edu or calling (585)245-5112 at least one week prior to the events. Live captioning (CART) will be available for the Kaelynn Partlow keynote.