Student leaders from the Neurodiversity Students Association (NDSA) at Toronto Metropolitan University — Jenna Ignaczak, Malka Finkelstein, and Maddie Sardone — discuss what it truly means to be a neurodivergent student in post-secondary education today.
Together, they share stories of inclusion, moments of isolation, experiences with ableism, and insights into how universities can better support neurodivergent students. The conversation dives into policy challenges, mental health, masking, equity vs. equality, and the importance of community.
Whether you’re a student, educator, ally, or policymaker, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and motivated to advocate for a more inclusive future in higher education.
Quotes to Remember:
“It’s not about equality, it’s about equity.” – Malka
“We don’t know what we don’t know. Ask students what they need.” – Jenna
“It’s easier to get rid of us than support us. That’s the problem.” – Maddie
Neurodiversity Students Association, Toronto Metropolitan University
Instagram: @tmu_ndsa
Telos: A Neurodiversity Conversation Podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/fc565318/podcast/rss
Connect With Us
Creating space for neurodivergent voices is more important than ever. With your help, we can ensure these stories are heard loud and clear. I'm raising funds to improve the audio quality of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast and expand our reach. Every dollar counts! If you believe in celebrating these unique perspectives, please like, comment on, and share this post. Let’s spread the word and keep the conversation going!
Your support means the world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity in Education
04:21 Personal Definitions of Neurodiversity
06:00 Experiences of Support and Understanding
08:24 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Students
10:30 Evaluating University Support Systems
13:50 Imagining an Inclusive Future
16:57 Creating a Neurodivergent-Friendly Campus
20:48 Being an Ally to Neurodivergent Peers
23:40 The Role of Educators in Inclusivity
24:10 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Education
28:38 Navigating Accommodations and Disclosure
32:18 Challenges of Current Assessment Methods
37:20 The Pressure to Mask Neurodivergence
41:47 Gen Z's Impact on Neurodiversity
42:38 Hope for Future Education and Accessibility
45:12 Messages for University Administrators
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★