Neurodiversity in Higher Education – Centering Neurodivergent Perspectives Across Universities

Lead and Host Institution: Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria) — Antonia Kranzelbinder, Carla Küffner, Susanne Dungs

Partner Institution: Goce Delcev University (North Macedonia) — Jovan Ananiev

In collaboration with the ACE²-EU Social Impactors: Social Impactor Culture & Diversity, represented by its Chair, Marika Gruber, and supported by Mélissa Pebayle (Carinthia University of Applied Sciences)

Through international collaboration, reflective learning, and real-life perspectives, participants will explore inclusive teaching, communication, and assessment strategies, designing practical approaches for creating more inclusive and supportive academic environments. Interdisciplinary and open to participants from all academic backgrounds.

Real-World Challenge: Neurodivergent individuals continue to face systemic barriers in everyday life, including within higher education. Universities often lack inclusive teaching strategies, accessible systems, and informed support structures. Addressing these challenges requires structural change, awareness-raising, and mutual learning across institutions.

Learner Type: Students from ACE²-EU universities, across all disciplines, who wish to better understand neurodiversity and contribute to more inclusive higher education environments.

Joint Kick-off — 1. Exploring Neurodiversity in the University Context: Input sessions combining theory and real-life narratives; forum-based reflection; small-group discussions across institutions and countries.

2. Mapping Barriers: International peer tandems analyse barriers in higher education using persona-based reflection, barrier mapping, and scenario analysis.

3. Designing Change: Small intercultural groups co-create inclusive ideas, tools, or practices, focused on practical, transferable solutions.

Online Sessions: The online component introduces key concepts of (neuro-)diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility in higher education. Activities include interactive lectures, group discussions, collaborative project work, and reflective learning activities. Five joint synchronous online sessions take place during the course period, complemented by asynchronous work.

Assessment Approach: Process-based (reflective tasks, forum contributions, peer engagement) + Summative (final group project).

Participants will develop the ability to: understand the concept of neurodiversity and its relevance for inclusive academic environments · identify barriers, stigmas, and systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals · apply inclusive teaching, communication, and assessment strategies · engage with authentic perspectives and lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals · reflect on their own teaching, learning, or institutional contexts and develop concrete improvement strategies.

By the end of the course, participants will also be able to: explain key principles of neurodiversity and inclusive education · analyse institutional and pedagogical barriers in higher education · design inclusive teaching or support strategies grounded in real experiences · collaborate effectively in international and interdisciplinary teams · reflect critically on their own academic or professional practices.

Suitable for students from ACE²-EU partner universities enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs in fields such as: Education · Social Sciences · Psychology · Humanities · Health and Social Care · Public Administration · any other discipline for students interested in neurodiversity and inclusion.

Especially relevant for those interested in: Inclusive education · Neurodiversity and accessibility · Human rights and social justice · Institutional change and innovation.

Recommended Language Level: Basic to intermediate English (B1–B2), as the working language of the course is English.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/sXojKzpPW1TShdFv6 

Ten additional places are available to interested students from across the ACE²-EU alliance. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the programme. Participating institutions apply their own internal selection procedures.

Prior to the start of the course, selected participants will receive a welcome email from the ACE²-EU Alliance containing detailed information and instructions specific to the programme.