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Frist Center Researchers Seeking to Aid Neurodiverse Adults Receive Prestigious NSF CIVIC Stage 2 Award
Sep. 21, 2023—Two Frist Center researchers are part of a collaborative effort receiving a distinguished Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Stage 2 Award from the National Science Foundation that the team will use to improve equity for neurodiverse adults by completing and commercializing a novel virtual reality driving instruction system that will help autistic adults have the independence they need...
Partnership with The Precisionists: Career Opportunities for 500 Neurodiverse Individuals in Nashville
Sep. 20, 2023—On September 19th, FCAI partner The Precisionists announced the expansion of their neurodiversity employment program to Nashville, with an event hosted at the Frist Center. The event was led by Director Keivan Stassun, with remarks from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and a quote from the Governor of Tennessee. Through their partnership with the Frist...
Event Announcement: A Night of Music, PHotography, PHriends, and PHun!
Sep. 13, 2023—We are excited to advertise AbleVoices’ very first fundraising event to benefit their programming for youth and adults with disabilities. Event Description: The evening promises to be a delightful experience filled with music, photography and much more. You will be moved by musical performances by singer-songwriter, Jessica Willis-Fisher and autism self-advocates Andrew Braach and Drew...
Special Lecture at VKC on 09/11 – Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups
Sep. 7, 2023—Announcing a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Special Lecture: “Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups; Examples of Applied Virtual Reality (VR) Led by Autistic Input and Feedback.” Presented by Dr. Nigel Newbutt, Ph.D. When: Monday, September 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT Where: Room 241, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/One Magnolia Circle Building (Virtual Option Available) Nigel Newbutt,...
Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivansan Publishes Op-Ed In Newsweek
Aug. 11, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan once again published an amazing opinion piece in a leading US magazine, this time discussing the “disheartening lack of progress in practical solutions for autistics” in a piece entitled, “The Dual Approach for Autism.” In the article, Hari states, “Within the autism community, two seemingly...
Deputy Director Dave Caudel Interviewed for CMA Today Article
Aug. 7, 2023—Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for an article released in CMA today entitled “Opening Minds: Unlock Strategies for Making Workplaces Inclusive of Neurodiversity”. Part of the article discusses accommodations in the workplace and how accommodations are often provided, unconsciously, for everyone. Dr. Caudel makes this point clear when...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Writes Op-Ed for Time that Discusses the Gaps in Autism Research Participation
Aug. 1, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow, Hari Srinivasan published an op-ed in Time discussing the gaps in autism research regarding the recruitment of research participants. Hari states: “This, in itself, contrasts with many autistics like me who are excluded from autism research due to the complexity of our issues, or because of the...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Posts Op-Ed in Fortune on the Importance of Remote Work in the Disabled Community
Jul. 28, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published an article in Fortune entitled: “Flexible work critics are using the same arguments that were used against disabled ramps and closed captioning. Equity of access should never be optional.” In the piece, Hari discusses the arguments now being made to roll back remote work...
FCAI Deputy Director Interviewed for Neurodiversity Empowerment YouTube
Jul. 24, 2023—Last week, Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for Episode 88 of the Dr. Gwen Empowered YouTube channel. This YouTube channel seeks to “empower neurodiverse and disabled individuals, their support systems, and anyone who deeply cares about this community.” Dr. Caudel was interviewed about how FCAI is working to transform...
FCAI NISE Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today
Jul. 14, 2023—This week, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published a piece in Psychology Today called “Dignity Remains Elusive for Many Disabled People”. In this article Hari describes his experiences as a visibly disabled neurodivergent individual. He describes his frustration at feeling infantilized in everyday interactions, such as...