Feeling a sense of belonging at college can be tough, particularly for neurodivergent students.
OCC’s Neurodivergent Student Alliance (NSA) wants to make that easier.
The new student organization aims to build a sense of community for students who identify as neurodivergent, including those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), learning disabilities and other conditions.
“During advising sessions and previously when I was an adjunct (faculty member), I noticed more and more students disclosing that they have invisible disabilities such as ADHD, autism, learning disorders, anxiety, or other conditions that impact the way they see, think and experience the world,” said OCC Financial Aid Advisor Jessica Lizardi.
“By launching NSA, we wanted to create a safe space for those who identify as neurodivergent to connect with others who share similar experiences. The group will serve as a student-led resource and place of empowerment for those whose brains are wired differently than the mainstream—a safe space to feel validated, supported and included on their own terms. "
Lizardi serves as co-advisor of the Neurodivergent Student Alliance with Yulanda Harris, CEO of Trainingphase and NeuroDiversity Inclusion Institute.
The group’s mission is to foster inclusivity, advocate for accessibility, and empower students to thrive academically and socially. The club plans to create opportunities for students to:
- Connect with peers who share similar experiences
- Learn valuable strategies for academic success and
- Develop collaborative events and workshops to ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued.
The Neurodivergent Student Alliance will meet at least twice per month, once on campus and the other online. Students who attended OCC’s recent welcome meetings at the College’s Auburn Hills and Orchard Ridge campuses are excited and expressed interest in getting involved with community advocacy groups and fundraising.
Lizardi said she hopes the support students receive from NSA will improve OCC’s completion rates for students with disabilities.
"College is often a place where students go to 'reinvent themselves,' but those with invisible disabilities frequently face greater challenges graduating due to a lack of understanding of the unique obstacles they encounter, both socially and academically,” she said. “Many avoid seeking help because of the stigma associated with their disabilities and the fear of being considered an 'outsider' or ‘complainer.’”
“We hope the creation of this student-led organization will demonstrate OCC's commitment to the success of students with disabilities who often struggle in silence. Different thinkers often bring about the transformative changes we seek in the world when they are given the right opportunities to grow and thrive. We are here to move the graduation needle for all students."
The Neurodivergent Student Alliance is recruiting student leaders to help create the organization’s framework and plans. Students interested in joining can email Lizardi at jxlizard@oaklandcc.edu or Harris at yulandaharris@trainingphase.com. Follow OCC’s new Neurodivergent Student Alliance on Instagram @nsa_occ.
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and No. 1 transfer institution in the state. The College provides academic and career training and enriching experiences; to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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