At last night's regular board meeting, the board of directors proclaimed March 16-22, 2026 as Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

THIS RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT IN CLATSOP, COLUMBIA, TILLAMOOK, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, OREGON RECOGNIZES MARCH 16th TO MARCH 22nd 2026 AS “NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK” CELEBRATING THE TALENTS OF NEURODIVERSE MINDS.

WHEREAS, neurodiversity recognizes that variations in brain function and behavioral traits are normal and valuable aspects of human diversity, and neurodiverse people make important contributions to our schools, workplaces, and communities; and

Neurodiverse identities include a range of ways of thinking, learning, communicating, and processing sensory input, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome; and

Celebrating neurodiversity advances equity by shifting the focus to strengths, reducing stigma, and creating environments where all learners and staff can thrive; and

Inclusive practices, reasonable adjustments, and universal design for learning improve access and outcomes for neurodiverse students while benefiting all students; and

NWRESD’s Strategic Plan prioritizes fostering multiculturalism and diverse perspectives, advancing culturally sustaining curriculum and practices, diversifying the educator workforce, and strengthening reciprocal partnerships with students, families, and community partners to build systems of belonging and remove institutional barriers that limit opportunity and achievement for historically marginalized students and staff; and

Recognizing Neurodiversity Celebration Week supports NWRESD’s ongoing work to deepen belonging, strengthen family partnerships, and promote culturally responsive and inclusive educational practices;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of Northwest Regional Education Service District that:

1. The Board hereby proclaims the week of March 16 through March 22, 2026 as Neurodiversity Celebration Week in NWRESD and encourages schools, programs, and staff to observe the week with activities that are accessible, student-centered, and strength-based.

2. The Board affirms its commitment to supporting neurodiverse students, staff, and families by removing barriers to learning and participation, promoting universal design for learning, and adopting practices that are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and focused on dignity and respect.

3. The Board directs the Superintendent to share this resolution with NWRESD staff, component districts, families, and community partners.

4. The Board encourages all NWRESD schools and partners to plan activities that may include, but are not limited to: student-led learning sessions,
sensory-friendly events, family and community conversations, professional learning for staff, adjustments to classroom environments, and celebrations of student strengths and accomplishments.

This Resolution is effective immediately upon adoption this 11th day of March, 2026.

Read the signed and adopted resolution: 26-011 2026 Neurodiversity Celebration Week

CONTINUED LEARNING AND ADVOCACY

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ON NEURODIVERSITY:
● Neurodiversity Celebration Week – Resources for educators, schools, and workplaces.
● The Neu Project – Promotes accessibility and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals.
● AutCollab – A network of autistic professionals advocating for neurodiversity acceptance.
● Oregon Department of Human Services – State services and support for neuroexpansive individuals.

GUIDELINES FOR INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE & TEACHING:
● Everything Neurodiversity – Strategies for fostering an inclusive and accessible environment.
● Guidelines for Inclusive Language in Autism Research

WORKPLACE AND HIRING PRACTICES:
● Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Best practices for businesses and schools.
● Neurodiversity-Friendly Technology & Social Media Tools

MEDIA:
Books
● “The Real Experts: Readings for Parents of Autistic Children” edited by Michelle Sutton
● “Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome” by Rudy Simone
● “The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum” by Temple Grandin
● “Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” by Steve Silberman
● “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
● “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism” by Temple Grandin
● “Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World” by Laura James
● “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” by John Elder Robison
● “The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism” by Naoki Higashida

Films
● “The Reason I Jump” based on the book by Naoki Higashida
● “Temple Grandin” directed by Mick Jackson and starring Claire Danes