NeuroInclusion & Disability Awareness NYC

Different Minds. Equal Dignity. One New York.

OPHC was hosting training on NeuroInclusion & Disability Awareness, instructor was speaking

The NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) is committed to building a city where neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities are respected, included, and empowered to thrive. NeuroInclusion & Disability Awareness NYC is a citywide initiative that promotes understanding, reduces stigma, and strengthens inclusive communities through education, partnerships, and meaningful engagement.

Neurodivergent Umbrella chart, includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health disabilities etc

Disability and neurodiversity–including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health disabilities, and other visible and invisible disabilities–are valuable aspects of New York City's diversity. Yet many individuals continue to experience bias, discrimination, bullying, social exclusion, and, at times, hate because of misconceptions or a lack of understanding. Through collaboration with schools, city agencies, community organizations, disability advocates, families, and self-advocates, OPHC works to foster environments where every New Yorker is treated with dignity, has equitable opportunities to participate, and feels a true sense of belonging.

In its first year, this work reached more than 2,200 New Yorkers through live trainings, webinars, and self-paced online learning, with the vast majority of participants reporting increased confidence in recognizing and addressing ableism, understanding neurodiversity, and applying the social model of disability in their work.

OPHC was hosting training on NeuroInclusion & Disability Awareness, instructor was speaking to full classroom of attendees

Our Three Pillars

a training attendee was taking note after session

Awareness: Building Understanding Through Education

Education is the foundation of prevention. OPHC provides learning opportunities that increase understanding of neurodiversity and disability while addressing stereotypes, unconscious bias, and misinformation–through educational workshops, professional development for educators and city agencies, public awareness campaigns, and school-based programming that promotes empathy and respectful peer engagement.

"A straightforward introduction to the needs of our diverse students. Support was tangible and gave me ways I can immediately work to support the community." – Training participant

a training program attendee, NYC government staff was sharing her learnings

Acceptance: Strengthening Communities Through Connection

Lasting change happens through relationships. NeuroInclusion & Disability Awareness NYC creates opportunities for individuals with different lived experiences to learn from one another, celebrate differences, and recognize the strengths that neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities bring to our communities–through community conversations, storytelling events featuring self-advocates and families, youth leadership initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships.

"Your presentation hit all the points–I was almost moved to tears with excitement that this is an actual professional development. As an educator and as a parent, I can always learn." – Training participant

a training program attendee was sharing her thoughts during session

Accessibility & Belonging: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Everyone

Belonging means ensuring that everyone can participate fully in community life. OPHC promotes practical strategies that help organizations, schools, workplaces, and community spaces become more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive–and holds its own programming to the same standard, refining training materials based on participant feedback to model the practices it teaches.

Working with NYC Public Schools

Young people play an essential role in shaping a more inclusive future. OPHC partners with New York City Public Schools to support learning environments where all students feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Through age-appropriate educational programming, educator trainings, and student engagement, NeuroInclusion NYC helps foster empathy, reduce bullying and disability-based bias, and promote inclusive school communities where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Educator interest continues to grow, with strong demand for deeper training on topics such as autism, ADHD, and inclusive classroom strategies shaping plans for the year ahead.

attendee were engaged in an activity during training session

Why This Initiative Matters

Preventing hate begins long before a hate crime occurs. It starts by creating communities where people understand one another, value differences, and reject stereotypes before they become prejudice or discrimination. NeuroInclusion & Disability Awareness NYC advances OPHC's mission by promoting respect, strengthening community connections, and expanding opportunities for participation across every borough–helping build a New York City where neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities are recognized not for their limitations, but for their contributions, talents, and humanity.

Resources

Asset Based Thinking NYC This online resource is a sample of the content provided to program participants. In this unit, including interviews and downloadable guides, we investigate the power of seeing the best in our colleagues. Take a look here.

Additional materials are provided to participants at trainings and events.

Get Involved

OPHC welcomes partnerships with schools, community-based organizations, disability advocacy groups, healthcare providers, employers, faith communities, and city agencies interested in advancing neuroinclusion across New York City. To request a workshop, training, presentation, or partnership opportunity, contact the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.