ChangeMaker: Leadership, Student Placements and Movement Capacity

Building the next generation of neurodiversity change leaders

A movement-led leadership and placement program that trains students and early-career professionals to co-create systemic transformation alongside NCF.

What ChangeMaker Does:

  • Student placements & fellowships (20hr/60 hr /160hr/300 hr/custom)

  • Project-based learning integrated into real system change initiatives

  •  Development of neurodivergent leadership frameworks and initiatives

  • Mentorship from industry, academic, and lived-experience leaders

  •  Support for course-aligned applied research & innovation

  • Impact measurement, evaluation, and change model training

  •  Strategic partnerships with universities, colleges, and professional associations

How We Create Change:

  • Integration of lived-and-future experience leadership

  • Embedding neurodiversity system transformation into higher education and training programs

  • Collaborative projects aligned with NCF flagship programs 

Who is ChangeMaker For:

  • Colleges, universities, professional programs

  • Student placement coordinators & practicum supervisors

  • Emerging leaders, researchers, and social change innovators

  • Funders looking to scale participatory system change capacity

Engage with ChangeMaker:

  • Become a placement partner

  • Sponsor emerging leaders or research fellows

  • Co-develop a flagship practicum pathway

  • Join faculty collaboratives 

  • Apply to join a 2026 ChangeMaker Cohort

Impact:

  • Increased number of neurodiversity-informed professionals in healthcare, legal, policy, and media sectors

  • Documented student-led innovations and movement contributions

  • Development of global neurodiversity strategy frameworks and data tools

  • Strengthened academic and community partnerships

“My son is autistic and this project helped me open my eyes to a bigger picture- the future for my son. I have had the chance to express that desire of helping him and others in the longer term with this project.”
— Honeyleen

Fall-Winter 2025-6 Student Projects

Project: Neuroinclusion Online Training Course – Digital Learning Strategy Development

Overview: Design and test ideas for a scalable, inclusive e-learning program that supports neuroinclusion across healthcare, education, law, and media. This project bridges theory and practice — combining digital learning strategy, gamified engagement, and neuroaffirming design.

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Project: Building a Grant Database for Neuroinclusive Change

Overview: To develop a comprehensive, user-friendly database of grant opportunities for the Neurodiversity Change Foundation (NCF) — focusing on funding that supports equity, inclusion, and accessibility for neurodivergent adults in workplace and healthcare contexts.

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Project: Neurodiversity Movement Map

Overview: This project will highlight the diverse organizations, researchers, advocates, institutions, and initiatives advancing neuroinclusion worldwide—while also recognizing inequities in movement building and progress. The map will serve as an engaging tool to mobilize community action, foster global connections, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders across sectors and regions. Learners will apply their knowledge of data visualization, geographic information systems (GIS), and community engagement to research and analyze key organizations and leaders, assess their impact, and design a user-friendly platform for ongoing community input.