Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff Alliance
Events and Membership
To become a member of the Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff Alliance, please submit a membership form so you can be informed of upcoming meetings and events. There is no cost associated with membership and no time commitments. Members can attend as many meetings and events as they would like. Individual membership in ERGs is strictly voluntary and open to all individuals who are interested in promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.
Resources
- Neurodiversity Burnout Presentation [pdf]
- Dys-ing You, Dys-ing Me: Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia Presentation [pdf]
- To-Do Lists, Task Initiation, and the Pomodoro Method Presentation [pdf]
- Welcoming Neurodiversity Presentation, hosted by the Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group and Evolve Coaching (passcode: M0=2F46s)
- CMU's Digital Accessibility Office
- Neurodiversity Network
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Job Accommodation Network
- ADDitude
- Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative
What Is Neurodiversity?
“Neurodiversity” is a word used to explain the unique ways people's brains work. While everyone's brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person.
Mission Statement
CMU’s Neurodiverse ERG exists to provide intentional space for cognitively diverse employees, as well as allies, in search of resources, community and support across all Carnegie Mellon University campuses. We work to improve awareness of the diverse experiences of the human mind and to promote the showcasing of perspectives that focus on inclusive collaboration through workshops, discussion groups and social events.
Leadership
Trista Polaski, Co-Lead
Trista Polaski is a solutions engineer at the Software Engineering Institute. She joined Carnegie Mellon University in 2022 and is excited to serve as the NERG co-lead. Trista holds a bachelor’s in molecular biology, a master’s in information science, and is actively working on an MBA. Trista's goal is to help support neurodivergent individuals to foster an inclusive environment within the CMU community.
Rachel Burress, Co-Lead
Rachel Burress joined CMU as an administrative assistant with Cyber Security and Privacy Lab. She is thrilled to be serving as the Neurodivergent co-lead. Rachel believes in creating a space where people can feel welcome, connected and supported.
Kacey Byrne-Houser, Member Liaison
Kacey Byrne-Houser, senior administrative and communications coordinator for Facilities Management and Client Services, joined Carnegie Mellon University in 2023. A committed advocate for promoting understanding, acceptance and empowerment of neurodiverse individuals at CMU and beyond, Kacey proudly represents NERG as the member liaison.
The employee resource groups hosted a table at the 2024 Spring Carnival.
On April 6, 2023, the Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff alliance hosted a CMU employee panel on myths and misconceptions about living as a neurodivergent person.