Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
At OCA we want to recognise the many strengths and talents that come from thinking and perceiving the world differently. By celebrating the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, we can begin the seismic shift of changing the way neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported, empowering them to achieve their potential.
What is Neurodivergence?
The NHS states that there are four key terms when discussing this topic. Firstly, neurodiversity describes the population as a whole and recognises the diversity of different brains. Secondly, neurotypical describes the majority group that perceives the world, learns and expresses themselves in ways that are seen as the societal norm. Thirdly, neurodivergent describes the minority group that diverts from said norm. Finally, neurotype (or neurominorities) is the term for a person’s type of neurodivergence, e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, etc. Find out more here.
Get involved
We’re asking our OCA community to help us celebrate the strengths, talents, and raise awareness of lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. We invite participation from students, staff and alumni.
If you would like to contribute, we would love it if you could answer some or all of the following:
What does neurodiversity and creativity look like to you?
What does studying/working with the OCA mean to you?
What are some things you wish others understood about your neurodiversity?
How can the OCA be more neuro-inclusive?
You can write something, record a video or audio piece or create an illustration or image.
For written pieces, try to keep to under 250 words per question.
For video and audio content please keep them under 3 minutes.
Please send images as jpegs that are a minimum of 600 pixels wide.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please do let us know.
We will highlight stories on our social media during Neurodiversity Celebration Week and if there are things we can do better we will take your feedback forward to relevant stakeholders at OCA and keep you updated on any applicable actions and developments.
Please send your responses and an example of your artwork and/or a self portrait photograph to accompany them to edi@oca.ac.uk by 12 March 2025.
If you are a student interested in producing a longer written piece about your learning journey you can complete our Student Stories Form here or email blog@oca.ac.uk to discuss your options.
Learn more about Neurodiversity
Throughout Neurodiversity Celebration Week there are lots of events happening which are relevant to the OCA community. These are not OCA official events but we encourage you to take a look and sign up here.
Support at OCA
The OCA offers a flexible degree structure and a dedicated Learner Support Team to assist students with disabilities, long-term conditions, or mental health challenges, ensuring accessible studies tailored to individual needs.
Students can disclose their conditions anytime, ideally during enrolment, via a Disability Support Form, email, phone, or with assistance from a carer.
Support includes reasonable adjustments, such as alternative assessment methods, extended deadlines, and personalised feedback formats. Course materials are available in multiple accessible formats, and printed copies can be customised for visual or learning needs. The Learner Support Team collaborates with students and tutors to implement adjustments that meet learning outcomes, ensuring a supportive and inclusive study environment.
You can find more information about Disability Support at OCA in the Student Handbook Course: Student Handbook OU | oca-learn and/or the website Studying with Disabilities, Health Issues and Caring Responsibilities - The Open College of the Arts | Distance Learning Degrees and Courses
Students and staff also have access to our EDI Toolkit on OCA Learn. This space is continually in development and if you would like to contribute in any way please contact edi@oca.ac.uk.
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