MARIETTA— Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) will host a free community event with local neurodiversity expert Dr. Bill Bauer. He will lead a discussion about raising awareness and acceptance of those who think differently.
On Wednesday, March 1, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in WSCO’s Graham Auditorium, Bauer will lead a panel discussion on the unique ways people’s brains work. Among the topics to be covered will be what it’s like to be neurodiverse and interaction recommendations for educators, parents, employers, friends, and family.
The term neurodiversity is a non-medical term that brings awareness to the diversity in which all humans think and process ideas. Like other diversity issues in our society, this term brings greater awareness to celebrating differences. The cognitive functioning of neurodivergent individuals is not considered “typical.” This includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, synesthesia, and a range of other neurodiverse conditions.
“Bringing Dr. Bauer to our campus to educate the community on neurodiversity is an important step in reducing the stigma of those who think, learn, and behave differently from what is considered typical,” explained Barbie Cheadle, WSCO’s Disability Services Coordinator. “It isn’t about fixing the neurodivergent; it’s about recognizing their unique gifts and strengths that they bring to the table.”
Bauer is a nationally certified Rehabilitation Counselor and licensed professional counselor who practices in Williamstown, WV with more than 30 years of experience in providing counseling and education services. Bauer is a devoted Disability Rights advocate and served as a founding member of the Disability Rights of Ohio board.
To attend, please RSVP by emailing NPPregister@gmail.com.
