Designing Neuroinclusive Classrooms using Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

Neurodivergent conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia and a range of other sensory and/or information-processing differences are very common in society. In fact, 1 in 8 people is considered neurodivergent. The way people learn, process information, act is as unique as their fingerprints. No two brains are alike and thus we need to design the classrooms to be neuroinclusive.

A neuroinclusive classroom acknowledges the neurodiversity of students, teachers, parents and staff members and the differences of how our brains are wired. It focuses on opportunities to surface strengths in individuals and provides solutions that mitigate the mental, emotional, physical, and cognitive barriers neurodivergents experience in their everyday lives. 

In this learning series, we will focus on how nonviolent communication (from the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg) can support educators in designing neuroinclusive classrooms.  Nonviolent Communication or Compassionate Communication is a form of interpersonal communication inspired by compassion and solidarity. It helps to improve relations and to act with practical and effective means to promote peace. Founded by the psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, it is used by a world network of mediators, facilitators and volunteers.

“NVC is a specific approach to communicating (speaking and listening) that leads us to give from the heart, connecting us with ourselves and with each other in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish.”

- Marshall Rosenberg

NVC guides us in reframing how we express ourselves and on how we hear others. It is based on the intention of creating the quality of connection with other people and oneself that allows compassionate giving to take place. It trains us to:

• observe carefully our thoughts and be able to specify behaviours and conditions that are affecting us
• clearly articulate our feelings and longings in the given situation
• uncover the hidden needs behind our feelings 
• express our requests in a language of compassion. 

Crucial to NVC is the practice of “empathy” which is very important when designing spaces for inclusion. 

This FREE workshop is a 4 part learning journey. Please do sign up only when you can commit to all 4 sessions. We are able to provide this workshop through voluntary work. For individuals with expendable income, donations are welcome and can support us in providing this work for more educators from marginalized sectors. If you are interested in bringing this to your schools please do contact us directly. 

About the facilitator:

Lana Jelenjev is a healing-centered practitoner, facilitator and community alchemist who designs spaces for "kapwa" (shared inner selves) to flourish. She is a learning experience strategist, advisor and consultant to changemakers, socio-civic organizations, non-profit organizations, communities who are re-imagining, designing, and facilitating spaces for belonging, healing and liberation. 

She is the chairperson for Neurodiversity Foundation and co-founders of Community Rituals and Neurodiversity Education Academy.