As the number of neurodiverse students attending Canada’s colleges and universities increases, there is a growing awareness of the need for greater neuro-inclusivity within the postsecondary education sector. In February 2025, as part of a series on supporting neurodiversity in post-secondary education, one of the authors was invited to present a teaching and learning workshop to faculty from across the British Columbia (BC) post-secondary system. The workshop emphasized the use of universal design for learning principles to inform compassionate planning for neurodiverse learners and robust conversation during the workshop raised important questions about enhancing neuro-affirming practices within higher education. This presentation proposes that an understanding of the macro-level institutional context of higher education is required to foster successful social innovation and change such as increasing neurodiversity across the BC post-secondary system. Based on a theoretical framework consisting of institutional theory and a compassionate systems leadership and change approach, we detail the coercive, normative, and isomorphic pressures that influence and constrain organizational innovation and change, as well as the compassionate systems concepts of engaging with creative tension, recognizing the interconnected nature of systems, and cultivating the intra- and inter-personal competencies required to support successful systemic change. Applying this theoretical framework to the issue of neuroinclusivity on BC post-secondary campuses, we point to emerging and potential opportunities to foster change at the macro- (systems) level, including changing student and social expectations, new government requirements and supports, interorganizational collaboration and the sharing of best practices, and training opportunities through professional networks.

Authors:
Shendah Benoit, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada
B. Edward Benoit, College of New Caledonia, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Shendah Benoit is Assistant Professor in the School of Education, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada. Her research interests include strength-based inclusion, positive organizational practices, and compassionate systems.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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