Empower Nuerodiverse Communities: Building a Better Future
The workshop series explores innovative approaches to neurodivergent cohousing that foster independent living and strengthen community ties, offering an in-depth look at the potential for neurodivergent communities across North America. Through an in-depth examination of trends, case studies, and innovative models, highlighting opportunities to promote inclusion, belonging, and sustainable living through neurodivergent cohousing efforts, participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals.
Value and Key Outcomes:
Participants will explore the latest developments that shape a neurodiverse community, including policies, programs, and societal shifts. Dissecting the successful initiative offers guidance on fostering inclusive environments. We will discuss strategies to advocate for belonging, accessibility, and social integration. As well as collaborative learning and interactive activities that provide opportunities to connect and network with like-minded advocates, professionals, and community leaders.
This course is for all: advocates, legislators, non-profit staff, housing developers, municipal employees, architects, planners, designers, grassroots organizers, activists, urban volunteers, self-advocates & family members, and all good citizens interested in taking action on this topic. The program is particularly useful to the parents of neurodivergent children, who are at their wits end, and need a cooperative effort to mitigate the obvious endless effort necessary to care for a neurodivergent child.
1. Getting Your Neurodiverse Cohousing Effort Started | July 16, 2025.
Our primary focus is on the first critical step: building a committed team: Learn how to find and engage people interested in creating a neurodiverse community. Learn organizing and outreach strategies, collaboration techniques, and the role of neurodiverse individuals and allies in co-creating these spaces.
2. Site Feasibility and Acquisition | July 23, 2025.
This session covers how to locate and obtain a site for your community. Learn strategies and how to approach this crucial factor in making your cohousing project a reality, while keeping costs in check. Gain insights on zoning, approvals, and building relationships with local officials, advocating for neurodiverse cohousing, and managing bureaucratic challenges along the way.
3. Exploring Needs and Designing Common Areas | July 30, 2025.
Discover how to design a community that meets both functional, social, and sensory needs: Efficient design processes, from working with architects and planners to selecting features that enhance well-being and accessibility for neurodiverse residents. Explore in detail the aspects that make up a neurodivergent supportive community. This session also covers working with the allies involved, peers, that play the most important role.
4. The Vital Design of Private Homes | August 6, 2025.
The beauty of cohousing is the balance of community and privacy. Private spaces need to meet sensory and personal needs. Examine the design process that turns a house into a retreat and assists in the transition of a new living space. Discover features that accommodate the specific needs of neurodiverse residents while still being accessible and welcoming to neuro-typical family members or visitors.
5. Getting Funded and Financed | August 13, 2025
Securing funding can be one of the biggest hurdles, but it’s doable: This session provides a roadmap for financing the project, including exploring grants, public-private partnerships, loans, and crowdfunding campaigns. Participants will also learn how to develop a compelling financial plan to attract supporters, investors, and work with peers.
6. What’s Next?: Launching Your Project | August 20, 2025
Take all that you have learned and start your project: Dive into your cohousing project head first and utilize your knowledge. Planning your next steps, creating your marketing, find your site, build your group, and get it built!
By the end of the series, participants will be empowered with the tools to plan and build a sustainable community that not only supports, but uplifts neurodivergent individuals, paving the way for a more inclusive future across North America.
It is highly recommended to read the book, One Life, Live It! before this workshop to really have a thorough idea of what the workshop will be about and answer any questions. The book can be purchased HERE.
The program meets CE Credit Certificates and Professional Development Requirements.
An Antioch University Professional Development Certificate
With Charles Durrett, Architect Emeritus AIA
AIA and AICP CE Self-Reported Learning Units