ChangeMaker:
Leadership Development, Student Placements & Neurodiversity Movement Capacity-building
Building the next generation of neurodiversity change leaders!
EmpowerND:
A research, conceptual framework and recommendation initiative funded by Sinneave Family Foundation.
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
Join faculty collaboratives
Apply to join a 2026 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
Global Neurodiversity Movement Map
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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
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.
Stirling University, Scotland