ChangeMaker:

Leadership Research & Development, Student Placements & Movement Capacity-building

A stylized logo of a person with wings, in gradient shades of orange and yellow, with the word "Changemaker" written below in black text.

Featured Project: EmpowerND

Building a Neurodivergent Leadership Framework grounded in Lived Experience & contemporary research

This project aims to articulate a neurodivergent leadership framework that identifies strengths and enabling conditions for sustained and generalizable recommendations applicable for systems and organizational development. This project has been made possible with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Backgrounder

Building the next generation of neurodiversity change leaders!

A graphic showing the steps of an initiative with large red text reading "Neurodivergent Leadership Framework Initiative." Smaller text includes "Now Underway," and three interconnected circles labeled "Identity & Meaning," "Structural Friction & Power," and "Collective Legitimacy & Systems Change." Additional text explains grounding leadership in lived experience and authenticity, building literacy in power and systems, and advancing shared leadership and norms. Logos at the bottom are for Neurodiversity Change Foundation, Sinnaeve Family Foundation, and Changemaker.
A digital flyer for a neurodivergent leadership interview project by the Neurodiversity Change Foundation, inviting eligible candidates in Canada to participate with a QR code for sign-up, featuring a woman with short hair in a yellow sweater
Diagram illustrating the emerging conceptual framework of neurodiversity change leadership, showing the process from leadership formation through institutional friction, legitimacy expansion, and recognition, leading to sustainable systems change. Key concepts include lived experience, recognition regimes, psychological safety, and systemic transformation.
Study chart titled 'Neurodiversity Change Leadership: Emerging Theory of Change' illustrating how neurodivergent leadership becomes sustainable through organizational, institutional, and system-wide efforts. The chart emphasizes improving accessibility and participation, recognizing neurodivergent knowledge and lived experience, and creating meaningful authority and inclusive leadership pathways. It highlights sectors such as policy, employment, leadership, education, healthcare, mental health, organizational development, and peer support, supported by the Sinnaeve Family Foundation.
A flyer for organizational leaders seeking to contribute to a neurodivergent leadership framework, with a photo of a person holding a mug that reads "Best. Boss. Ever." The flyer includes details about the project, eligibility, and a QR code for signing up.

NCF ChangeMaker Program Overview

What NCF ChangeMaker Does:

  • Student placements & fellowships (20hr/60 hr /160hr/300 hr/custom)

  • Project-based learning integrated into real system change initiatives

  •  Development of neurodivergent leadership frameworks and initiatives

  • Mentorship from industry, academic, and lived-experience leaders

  •  Support for course-aligned applied research & innovation

  • Impact measurement, evaluation, and change model training

  •  Strategic partnerships with universities, colleges, and professional associations

Who is ChangeMaker For:

  • Colleges, universities, professional programs

  • Student placement coordinators & practicum supervisors

  • Emerging leaders, researchers, and social change innovators

  • Funders looking to scale participatory system change capacity

How We Create Change:

  • Integration of lived-and-future experience leadership

  • Embedding neurodiversity system transformation into higher education and training programs

  • Collaborative projects aligned with professional partners across sectors; giving neurodivergent ChangeMakers an edge 

Engage with ChangeMaker:

  • Become a placement partner

  • Sponsor emerging leaders or research fellows

  • Co-develop a flagship practicum pathway

  • Apply to join an upcoming ChangeMaker Cohort

Impact:

  • Increased number of neurodiversity-informed professionals in healthcare, legal, policy, and media sectors

  • Documented student-led innovations and movement contributions

  • Development of global neurodiversity strategy frameworks and data tools

  • Strengthened academic and community partnerships

World map with glowing orange lights and connecting lines highlighting global neurodiversity movement networks. Overlaid text: 'Discover the Global Neurodiversity Movement Map' and 'Explore the vibrant network of organizations transforming neuroinclusion worldwide. Find it now - Here'.

Global Neurodiversity Movement Map:

An MSc. Psychology STUDENT PROJECT

By Mhoren Batchelor, Stirling University, UK

The Global Neurodiversity Movement Map brings together organizations, initiatives, and leaders working to advance neuroinclusion around the world.

By making this work visible in one place, the map helps people discover existing efforts, learn from one another, and build new connections across regions and sectors. It highlights the diversity of approaches shaping the neurodiversity movement while recognizing that progress and resources are not evenly distributed globally. The map is designed as a living, community-informed resource that supports collaboration, shared learning, and the continued growth of neurodivergent-led change.

Learn more

Learn about NCF’s Associates Program!

2026 Inaugural group

“I had a truly wonderful time working with NCF. Over 2 months, I learned a lot and developed many new skills. I am extremely proud of the final product and truly hope to build on this experience and use my newly acquired skills to continue developing myself.”
— Fairuz, York University, Toronto
“My son is autistic and this project helped me open my eyes to a bigger picture- the future for my son. I have had the chance to express that desire of helping him and others in the longer term with this project.”
— Honeyleen, Calbright College

Fall-Winter 2025-6 Student Projects

Student Project: Neuroinclusion Online Training Course – Digital Learning Strategy Development

Overview: Design and test ideas for a scalable, inclusive e-learning program that supports neuroinclusion across healthcare, education, law, and media. This project bridges theory and practice — combining digital learning strategy, gamified engagement, and neuroaffirming design.

Calbright College, California

Student Project: Building a Grant Database for Neuroinclusive Change

Overview: To develop a comprehensive, user-friendly database of grant opportunities for the Neurodiversity Change Foundation (NCF) — focusing on funding that supports equity, inclusion, and accessibility for neurodivergent adults in workplace and healthcare contexts.

University of Saskatchewan

Student Project: Global Neurodiversity Movement Map

NOW LIVE: CHECK IT OUT

Overview: This project will highlight the diverse organizations, researchers, advocates, institutions, and initiatives advancing neuroinclusion worldwide—while also recognizing inequities in movement building and progress. The map will serve as an engaging tool to mobilize community action, foster global connections, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders across sectors and regions. Learners will apply their knowledge of data visualization, geographic information systems (GIS), and community engagement to research and analyze key organizations and leaders, assess their impact, and design a user-friendly platform for ongoing community input.

University of Stirling