Featured Speaker: Kendra Evans
Kendra Evans (she/her) is the Director of the Spectrum Support Program (SSP) and the Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative (NHI) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Chicago, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In 2022, she was awarded RIT’s Presidential Excellence Award.
Kendra’s professional focus is on the neurodivergent learner, from K12 to higher education with strong emphasis on workforce development beginning in 2018. She is committed to advancing employment outcomes and quality of life for neurodivergent adults. She serves as collaborator and content area expert on grants, presents at national conferences, and provides consultation and neurodiversity trainings to employers, most recently L’Oreal and L3Harris, with upcoming workshops with the National Organization on Disability.
Session description:
Higher education institutions are facing a growing challenge: how to effectively support and retain the increasing number of neurodivergent students. These students, who learn and process information differently due to conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, often struggle in traditional academic settings. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and isolation among students, while faculty may feel unequipped and uncertain about how to best accommodate their diverse learning needs. Additionally, institutions may face challenges in adapting their existing systems and structures to create a truly inclusive environment for all learners.
Understand Sensory Challenges: Amy Ruffino
Amy Ruffino has been working with children for over 30 years, using her background in pediatric occupational therapy to support kids and young adults in homes, childcare centers, schools, and hospitals. She has also taught in the Department of Occupational Therapy and contributed to research on children with disabilities at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
As the owner of Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids, Amy leads a team of providers dedicated to helping children thrive through home- and community-based therapy and education services. She stays hands-on, working directly with kids to support sensory processing challenges and build skills for everyday life. She’s also involved in a grant-funded project to support children with elevated blood lead levels. Amy loves sharing practical strategies with families, educators, and other professionals, making sensory processing information both approachable and useful.
Session description:
This presentation will provide faculty and staff with a deeper understanding of the sensory challenges faced by neurodiverse students within the classroom, campus environment, and residence life. As an Occupational Therapist, I will offer an overview of sensory processing systems and how difficulties in these areas impact learning, engagement, and daily experiences. We will explore common sensory-related challenges, discuss their effects on academic and social participation, and introduce practical strategies to support students in managing sensory needs and preferences. Attendees will leave with tools to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that fosters student success.
Panel Discussion
Our speakers, Kendra Evans and Amy Ruffino, will be joined by Dr. Kathy Doody, professor of Exceptional Education at Buffalo State University and David Herring from Neurodiversity Network of WNY to discuss ways to create supportive and inclusive spaces for our students.
Registration
This is a free event made possible through funds provided by SUNY Incremental Funding.
Venue: Campbell Student Union, Social Hall, Buffalo State University
Date: March 25th, 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Registration: You may use the QR code below or complete the form to register for this event!
