Neurodiversity
Continuing Event: The Creative Art works are displayed in the Stern Center on the (formerly ATM) wall to the left of the Food Court entrance doors.
The Art works will be continue to be displayed through Thursday, October 31st.
Please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cofcneuro/
Our next upcoming event:
October 23, Beyond Accessibility: The conversation with no easy or fixed answers
12-1PM, Alumni Center
RSVP is requested. Please RSVP here
Universal design is the standard by which we judge the efficacy of design today. Its value in providing a more solid basis for mutual care as well as independence for everyone in the community is self-evident. Certainly, most people will find this approach useful for at least a portion of their lives as we all face at least temporary disabilities. A major issue, however, with any kind of design, especially newer concepts is maintaining it over time. In the parlance of preservation professionals, “Preservation is maintenance”.
In this session, I will discuss the elements of universal design and how we are supposed to be meeting the challenges. I will then provide maps for the main part of the campus and ask people to record where they perceive there to be problems in actually using what is in place and how they might envision a solution. I will certainly be able to spark the discussion with examples of my own experience here if necessary, but the value in this session is in getting everyone to notice how obstacles for utilization might impede getting around and trying to crowdsource possible solutions. Our goal is to provide a model for involving people in the care of their public space and to give constructive feedback to those who are charged with the responsibility as well as helping one another build a better community.
Presenter: James Ward (Preservation and Planning)
James Ward has been teaching full time in preservation at the College since 2002 and is currently a Senior Instructor in Historic
Preservation and Community Planning. His background is as a conservationist, landscape architect, gardener, craftsman, and
caregiver - for his wife who was diagnosed with MS in 1984. As pertains to the college, he was involved in the development of
the campus in the 1970s and 1980s as a consultant at the same time his wife worked in student activities and teaching here.
Highlights of his career include working as the landscape architect for the government of Bermuda, winning planning and design
awards for work here on the Charleston area including the Visitors Center, Aquarium, hotel, and multi-family development.
He continues to be involved in all aspects of professional work and teaching here at the College.
His orientation is a humanist turned professional. He works with the details of a universal design but is also concerned with how
design affects our ability to come together as a community and forge new understandings and meanings. A cultural landscape
such as the City of Charleston brings its own special challenges. We strive to preserve our built heritage as we continue to
make it serviceable to the demands of new times and to create a truly livable, democratic society for everyone.
On a personal note, he has been involved in the long-term issues surrounding his wife and feels that as a society we must radically
alter how we deal with these issues. Keeping these people independent is important for that individual, for the caregivers, and for
the larger society, notwithstanding the sentimental, or even the cost, issues. It definitely goes beyond the commonly assumed
fall back position of "keeping them at home". The physical design of spaces and social support network facilitated by that design
can make all the difference to the overall health of those individuals and the larger society.
Neurodiversity Event statement
What is neurodiversity?
- Basically, it's the idea that people whose brains are wired differently from the "norm" should be embraced and celebrated!
- While none of us is normal, this effort has focused on people with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, health impairments, and psychological disabilities.
In order to highlight neurodiversity as an important form of diversity, the College of Charleston is hosting an exciting series of events.
- Learn of meaningful events we have in our Calendar of Events
- Look for our signs around campus with various quotes and statistics pertaining to neurodiveristy.
- Creativive art work is now being displayed in the Stern Center. The Creative Art works will be displayed from Monday, October 4th through Thursday, October 31st in the Stern Center.
Stern Center Main Building hours
Saturday: 2pm-10pm
Sunday: 4pm-Midnight
- See what is happening in our Videos and Photography
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Meet those who made these events happen in our The Committee Members and Supporters
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Please Visit our Facebook page
Please Note:
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events for all individuals to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility at our upcoming events, please contact: Anne Osowski, 843 953 1431, osowskia@cofc.edu. Thank You.
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It takes all kinds of minds to make the world go ’round –
including the kind that work differently from what’s considered “the norm.”
"CofC Neurodiversity Initiative Seeks to Open Minds" - read this article from
The College Today
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