Empire State University starts NeuroDiverse Collective support group  

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — December 17, 2024) Empire State University is a designated autism-supportive institution by the Anderson Center for Autism. The first of its kind recognition is a testament to the university’s dedication to supporting neurodiverse individuals in their higher education journeys. SUNY Empire’s support goes beyond providing resources for students —  employees at the university recently started The NeuroDiverse Collective, a support group for faculty and staff.  

The NeuroDiverse Collective began with interest from three employees at Empire State University looking for a space to find community and build a deeper understanding of neurodivergence across faculty and staff, to foster a more inclusive environment.  

Ade Byron, program manager for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, said employee affinity groups like the NeuroDiverse Collective can help generate new and creative ideas of how employees can contribute to the university while sharing educational resources and build cultural awareness.  

“Employee affinity groups contribute immensely to building a culture of inclusion and belonging at universities,” Byron said. “They bring together staff and faculty of the university community, who may not have connected otherwise, to unite under a common interest or identity. They contribute to a positive and supportive work environment and are proven to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and enhance morale of the individuals they serve, leading to increasing retention rates of employees.”  

Byron said the NeuroDiverse Collective hopes to build a resource base and provide educational opportunities for members of the university community beyond the affinity group.  

“Working in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Human Resources, the NeuroDiverse Collective aims to leverage elements of universal design to contribute to a positive work experience for all employees,” Byron said.  

Empire State University also has an LGBTQIA+ employee affinity group that works to address challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/queer questioning students and employees at Empire State University.