Making the Road by Walking…Our LENS Network partners
Over the past few weeks we have shared some of the key lessons from the network and demonstrated how to utilize some of the tools that have been developed to better understand how we can create impactful learning environments where all learners are supported. We wouldn’t be able to continue our learning journey and do this work effectively if not for the commitment of our external network partners! Alone our team can’t know everything, but when we work with others, we know quite a bit. Working with other organizations allows us to ensure that we can share knowledge, best practices, and the most up to date information with the network.
Each of our partners share our values and vision for the network. Additionally, each partner seeks to practice the values they espouse. We are thrilled to work alongside the following organizations as over the course of this project our work has benefited from the knowledge, skills from the following organizations/people:
A Visual Approach
A Visual Approach is a woman-founded firm specializing in graphic recording, group facilitation, and strategic illustration. We collaborate with clients to draw out ideas and make them shine. Whether you’re generating new ideas, developing a vision, strategizing, or sharing solutions, skillful facilitation and visual tools will ease the way, making it easier to engage with big ideas, see connections, and make decisions.
RTI
The Center for Policy and Systems Innovation is within the newly formed Public Health Research and Social Policy Department (PHRSP)
PHRSP, partners with clients and stakeholders to deliver high-quality research and evaluation, using strategic foresight and innovative methods to build resilient systems and strengthen programs and policies across sectors. Within this broader mission, our center focuses on conducting research and evaluation that develops knowledge and evidence on approaches to complex societal issues—from public and environmental health to economic mobility, housing, transportation, and social services—all aimed at informing policymaking and systems innovation.
Tilde Language Cooperative
Written translation is the foundation of what we do at Tilde Language Services. Our translation process is focused on a commitment to gaining a thorough understanding of the source file and conveying the meaning as accurately as possible in the target language. Our translators are backed by years of experience, a native- or professional-level mastery of both languages, and academic training in the practice of translation.
CAST-Dr. Luis Perez
As the Senior Director of Disability & Accessibility for CAST, Luis promotes the creation, delivery and use of high quality accessible educational materials and technologies to support learning opportunities for all students. He is embedded with the Postsecondary and Workforce Development group at CAST, and in this role works to increase access to middle- and high-income careers for everyone. Luis is also a co-host of the CAST podcast, The Learning Experience, with new episodes launching monthly. His perspective is informed by his own experiences as a user of assistive technology.
Building Blocks of Brilliance- Andratesha Fritzgerald
Andratesha Fritzgerald, Ed. S. has worked in education for nearly 20 years. She is an international speaker, author, and consultant. Her life’s work is to awaken, celebrate, and activate brilliance by breaking barriers and stereotypes.
What’s next for the network?
The LENS-NC Network is excited to have these opportunities to create supportive resources and practice these values! We don’t seek perfection, but rather progress. As the title to this article states “we are making the road by walking” and integrating our new learnings and theories into actual, real-time practice. One example of ways we are doing this is through our website and resource hub where MDC and our members are uplifting research, stories, and actionable advice in real-time.
Ultimately, what guides us in this work is to ensure that caregivers, teachers, families and their students with learning differences, and/or who are neurodivergent have the resources they need to thrive.
Next steps for you
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we want to acknowledge that our partners support us in creating more inclusive spaces for neurodiverse learners. We also want to continue to highlight the work of the network and others who continue to advocate for and build learning, working, and community spaces where all people are welcomed and made to feel like they belong.
This month, the LENS team is pleased to uplift the work of Kaligirwa (she/he/they), also known as @blackspectrumscholar.
Kaligirwa/blackspectrumscholar is known for creating an expansive Autism & ADHD Research Library that has been a popular and generative resource for those in the community who are continuing to evolve their learning on the topic of Autism. Their work is grounded in the principles of equity, justice, and community care and aligns with the LENS network purpose.
AND THEY DO SO MUCH MORE! Please check out their work and services using the link HERE: blackspectrumscholar SERVICES OFFERED
