UCalgary hosts Neurodiversity Celebration Week

The University of Calgary’s annual Neurodiversity Celebration Week celebrates the strengths and experiences of neurodivergent individuals. The year’s event, running from March 16 to 20, features workshops, peer-support drop-ins, sensory-friendly gatherings and educational sessions.

The goal is to foster connection, understanding and inclusion across the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff can learn how differences in thinking and learning shape educational and personal growth. 

“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for the campus community to connect and understand what it is like to be neurodiverse and how that impacts educational experiences,” says Kristal Turner, BA’06, MA’22, a PhD candidate in learning sciences, who is leading an event for the NICE Peer Mentors, part of the Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre. 

“The increase in autism and ADHD diagnoses are misunderstood as overdiagnoses, when it is that those who were once overlooked are now seen (and have a chance to flourish).” 

Events celebrate neurodivergent individuals on campus

Turner’s reflection highlights the week’s purpose: recognition, inclusion and celebration of neurodivergent individuals. 

Highlights include a resource fair on March 16; Social Connect events for staff, faculty and students at the Life Design Hub; an ADHD Support Group for Women & Diverse Students gathering; and a “zine-making” social.

Celebration Week aligns with UCalgary strategies  

Neurodiversity Celebration Week reflects UCalgary’s commitment to community-centred engagement and inclusive dialogue, fostering belonging and connection, reflected in a goal of UCalgary’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan: “Locate community at the centre of all we do.”  

It also supports holistic, preventative student mental health through sensory-friendly spaces, peer support, and workshops that enhance resilience and psychological safety, part of the university’s Community Mental Health and Wellness Strategy.

Campus partners and volunteers 

The week is organized by multiple campus units and student volunteers, including:

• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Success Centre
• Student Wellness Services
• Schulich School of Engineering
• Faith & Spirituality Centre
• Women’s Resource Centre
• Writing Symbols Lodge
• Active Living
• Peer volunteers and NICE Mentors
• Centre for Career and Personal Development

These units are coming together to offer events, resources and safe spaces to support learning, connection and well-being. 

How to get involved 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is more than a series of events. It reflects UCalgary’s commitment to community, inclusion and mental health. It invites students, staff and faculty to participate, host an event, or share perspectives, helping to build communities where all members, regardless of neurological identity, can thrive. 

For questions about getting involved, contact the Neurodiversity Support Office; for a calendar of events, some of which require registration, visit the event website.