About Diversified
Diversified is a collective of neurodivergent UNSW students, staff and academics. Our mission is to improve the lives of neurodivergent people by ensuring they are central to the conversations and decisions that impact them. Through research, resource development, education, and advocacy we are working to embed neuro-inclusion into UNSW’s educational framework and policies to create a more inclusive society, starting within the UNSW community and expanding outward.
Our story
Diversified began as a student-led initiative at UNSW, driven by the need to create more inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students. Over time, it has grown into a comprehensive program that addresses broader issues of accessibility and awareness across education, workplaces, and communities.
Josie was a student who refused to accept that her learning environment couldn’t adapt, and she’s the reason we’re here. When faced with an inaccessible assessment briefing, instead of just highlighting the problem, she redesigned it to meet her needs. Recognising the potential to help fellow students, Josie presented her solution to her educator, and together they made the course more accessible. The redesigned briefing is still in use today, and not just in that course.
Josie’s advocacy didn’t stop there—she began pushing for more improvements, found others experiencing the same challenges and worked to find a solution. It’s through this collaboration that Diversified was born. Josie’s story show’s the power of self-advocacy and collaboration, the everyday challenges neurodivergent students face, and it’s why we continue to champion neurodivergent voices in education and beyond.
Through our work we aim to:
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At Diversified, we believe that neurodivergent perspectives are invaluable. Individuals with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions bring unique ways of thinking and problem-solving that benefit classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Unfortunately, neurodivergent voices are often excluded from conversations that impact them, leading to support systems that fail to fully address their needs.
Historically, these voices have been marginalized, with few examples of neurodivergent adults in leadership. This lack of representation means that young neurodivergent people struggle to envision themselves in future roles. Amplifying neurodivergent perspectives is crucial to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
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Inclusive education is central to our mission. Our resources are rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which foster flexible, supportive environments for all students. Inclusive education benefits everyone, as it encourages diverse perspectives and collaboration.
For neurodivergent students, access to higher education can be a challenge, not just in the classroom but in navigating a system that isn't always supportive. Studies show that neurodivergent students face higher dropout rates and mental health challenges. By creating inclusive classrooms, we reduce one major barrier and help students feel supported and empowered, improving their chances of success.
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Neurodivergent individuals bring fresh, innovative ideas to every field, from technology and engineering to social impact and climate science. Figures like Albert Einstein (Autistic), Bill Gates (ADHD), and Greta Thunberg (Autism and ADHD) have made profound contributions to society.
Their unique ways of thinking have shaped industries and driven change. In today’s world, where we face complex political, economic, and environmental challenges, new ways of thinking are crucial. Neurodivergent individuals are uniquely positioned to lead innovation, and by fostering inclusive environments, we can unlock their potential to drive solutions for the future.
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Collaboration is key to creating large-scale social impact. At Diversified, we prioritize working together across neurotypes, industries, and institutions to drive meaningful change.
Our partnerships with universities, like Melbourne University, help build networks for academics and educators to share best practices and develop new research. By pooling resources and expertise, we can create a more inclusive future for neurodivergent individuals. Collaboration allows us to expand our reach, ensuring that neurodiversity is embraced in education, the workplace, and the community.
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Neurodivergent leadership is crucial for creating inclusive environments. Yet, only 10% of leaders in Australia identify as living with a disability. We aim to change this by supporting neurodivergent leaders and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Visibility is key—seeing neurodivergent leaders helps challenge stereotypes and shows what’s possible.
We advocate for leaders who meet their own support needs while also ensuring that others’ needs are met, creating workplaces and communities where everyone feels valued. By fostering neurodivergent leadership, we are helping to build more inclusive, healthy environments for all.
Meet the team
Professor Terry Cumming
she/her
Founding Diversified Member & Lead Researcher
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Professor of Special Education and Deputy Head of the School of Education, the Academic Lead Education for the UNSW Disability Innovation Institute, and a Scientia Education Fellow at UNSW Sydney.
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Education, universal design for learning, emotional & behavioral disorders, assistive technology.
“As a neurodivergent person with lived experience, and a life-long educator, I am privileged to be part of this team, where everyone brings their strengths and passions to improve life at uni for all students.”
Associate Professor Ian McArthur
he/him
Co-Founder of Diversified & Research team member
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Associate Professor of Design, School of Art & Design, Faculty of Arts, Design, and Architecture.
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Co-design, participatory and pluriversal design, neurodivergence and inclusive design.
“The pluriversal (inclusive) approach we take to all aspects of Diversified positions our activities in an ongoing negotiated mode of co-production. In doing this we are demonstrating that the value of what we do is in joining-in together to make positive change. This is a form of co-design and co-operation that makes the invisible visible, holds space for all voices, and activates collective learning and re-learning as we enact the design of participation within our process.”
Karen Kriss
she/her
Founding Diversified Member & Research team member
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Senior lecturer at UNSW Art, Design and Architecture, Arts, Design & Architecture Disability Champion, Disability Advisor at UNSW Art & Design.
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3D animation, animation, motion capture, visual effects, digital media, post-production.
Aaron Saint-James
he/him
Founding Member, Co-Project Officer & Co-Researcher
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Co-Research Officer/Project Manager, School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Design, and Architecture. Neurodiversity Consultant, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science.
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Lived experience research, neurodivergence, ELS plans, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, molecular biology, neuroscience, co-design, co-production, student-academic reciprocity.
The phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us” is a slogan used to communicate the principle that no policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by that policy. This concept is central to disability rights movements and is also widely recognised in other civil rights and social justice contexts.
This slogan traces its origins back to Central European political traditions and was notably adopted by the disability rights movement in the late 20th century, particularly after being popularised by James Charlton in his 1998 book “Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment.” The phrase encapsulates the idea that decisions impacting marginalised communities should not be made without their involvement and consent.
Chantel Le Cross
they/them
Founding Member, Co-Project Officer & Co-Researcher
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Co-Research Officer/Project Manager, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Alumni & Engagement Coordinator, Health and Accessibility Advocate, Freelance Consultant, Writer and Content Creator.
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Research Communication, Neurodivergence, Health Promotions, Content Creation and Community Awareness Campaign Development, Lived Experience Research, Sociology, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, Public Policy, Advocacy and Public Speaking.
Associate Professor Karin Thiele Watson
she/her
Founding Diversified Member & Research team member
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Associate Professor in Arts, Design & Architecture; Director of Educational Excellence & Director Education Focused Program (Pro Vice Chancellor Education Portfolio).
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Teaching, Fostering belonging in students, mentoring, Education Focused academics, university-wide approaches
"The Diversified team and project has opened a whole new world to me, I am forever grateful.”
Dr Veronica Jiang
she/her
Research Team Member
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Senior Lecturer at UNSW Business School, UNSW Diversity Champion for Disability and Academic Disability Advisor at the Business School.
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improving student educational experiences, Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Joshua Karras
he/him
Diversified Team Member
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PhD Candidate/Faculty of Medicine and Health HDR Board Member/Leadership Facilitator.
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The Sustainable Development Goals, The United Nations, Public Health Communication, Mental Health, Student Representation, Family Living, Qualitative Research.
“The Price of Greatness is responsibility” Winston Churchill.This quote was meant to be an eloquent ode to the eternal human endeavour of true selflessness. If you are great at public speaking, you should devote yourself towards movements of sustainable development and social justice. If you are a talented science, you should pursue fields that discover knowledge which serves the world. If you are a learned lawyer, choose cases which would prevent the miscarriage of justice.
I think it’s a beautiful concept.
Aves Parsemain
they/them
Educational Design consultant
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Educational Developer at Arts, Design & architecture.
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive teaching, course design and development, educational technology, digital accessibility, academic development, LGBTIQA+ inclusion
“The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility.” - bell hooks
Dr Jess Macer-Wright
she/her
Research Team Member
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Senior Lecturer (Education Focussed; EF) Phase 1 Medicine, Rural Clinical Campus Port Macquarie, Academic Co-Lead EF Student Wellbeing Community of Practice (2021-2024).
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Student support, higher education, rural students, biomedical sciences, neurodivergence/neurodiversity, quantitative research.
Anh Nguyen
he/him
Diversified Content & Media Specialist
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Multimedia Specialist UNSW Pro Vice Chancellor Education Office.
Get involved
We believe that change happens through collaboration, innovation and community engagement. Whether you’re an educator, student, or an organisation, there are many ways to contribute to building a more inclusive and supportive environment for our neurodivergent community.
Here’s how you can be part of this movement:
Partners & collaborators
Our work is made possible through the support and collaboration of our valued partners.
