Campus & Community Partner Opportunities
The Olitsky Program provides opportunities for campus partners to learn about systemic obstacles that individuals with differences face in educational and professional spaces. The program provides opportunities to learn about the value of diversity and accessibility in academia and the workplace, plus the knowledge and takeaways to support and highlight the value of differences in their academic and professional spaces. The program also provides opportunities for community and campus partners to collaborate with the program on supporting students with differences and hosting educational sessions.
- Educational Sessions
> Program Info Sessions for Faculty & Staff (CMU Only): Coming Soon for Fall 2025
> Neuroinclusive Seminar Series (All Higher Ed Professionals): Coming Soon for Fall 2025
Olitsky Program Info Sessions for CMU Faculty & Staff
What: What exactly is the Olitsky Program? In this 30-minute session, Amy Tavares, the program manager, will explain the program and offer opportunities to ask questions.
After this session, you will be able to:
• Explain the purpose of the program.
• Understand how the program supports students, faculty, and staff.
• Talk to students about the program & make a referral.
When: Multiple offerings will be available this Fall 2025
Neuroinclusive Seminar Series for Professionals in Higher Ed
Mission:
The Neuroinclusive Seminar Series aims to amplify and advance knowledge of neuroinclusion in higher education. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, we aim to create opportunities for students, faculty, staff, researchers and community partners to share current research, lived experiences, and best practices that promote inclusive academic, workplace, and social environments.
Values:
Equity
Accessibility
Collaboration
Empowerment
Strength-Based Mindset
Growth Orientation
Research-Informed Practice
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Core Session One: Introduction to Neurodiversity & Neuroinclusive Learning Learn More & Register: XXX |
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Core Session Two: Re-envisioning the Classroom for Neurodiversity Learn how to create neuroaffirming classrooms that support all students. Building on the foundational session, this workshop explores how teaching environments impact learning and offers practical strategies to enhance course design, classroom dynamics, and student engagement. Learn More & Register: XXX |
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Core Session Three: Neurodivergence and the Accommodation Process Explore why some neurodivergent students may experience disability and how to support them effectively. This session covers common and lesser-known accommodations, along with strategies for instructors and advisors to help students access resources and implement approved supports. Learn More & Register: XXX |
Current Content Committee (Alphabetical Order):
- Amy Tavares, MS, LPC, Neurodiversity Program Manager of the Olitsky Program, Carnegie Mellon University, NSS Co-Founder
- Catherine Getchell, MS, Director of Office of Disability Resources, Carnegie Mellon University, Co-Founder, NSS Co-Founder
- Christina Frasher, PhD, Visiting Professor, Health and Human Development, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, NSS Co-Founder
- Jacqui Pincus, PhD, Associate Director, Graduate Student & Postdoc Teaching Initiatives, Eberly Center, Carnegie Mellon University, NSS Co-Founder
- Leigh Culley, MS, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Accessibility, Director of Disability Resources and Services, University of Pittsburgh, NSS Co-Founder
Previous Content Committee Members (Alphabetical Order):
- Jamie Kulzer, PhD, CRC LPC, Associate Professor, Health Sciences School of Rehabilitation Sciences Counseling Program, University of Pittsburgh, NSS Co-Founder
- Kelly Beck, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, REAACT Research Program, University of Pittsburgh
- Rachel Harris, BS, Marketing Representative, REAACT Research Program, University of Pittsburgh, NSS Co-Founder
How to Collaborate With Us
The Olitsky Program welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with community and campus partners on student events, employer training sessions and educational sessions. If you're interested in learning more about how you can collaborate with the program, contact the program manager, Amy Tavares, at atavares@andrew.cmu.edu for more information.
