Neurodivergent Opportunities through DAI

April 22, 2020
Opportunities for Neurodivergent Students at URI - Transition - DAI Intake and accommodations meetings, START workshop series, and program accommodations. ACADEMICS - Academic accommodations, DAI section of UCS 160, Assistive Technology, and DRM drop-in mentoring on Tuesdays SOCIAL - ND Friday Meetups, ND student-run clubs and organizations on campus, events and athletics on campus. COMMUNITY RESOURCES - health services, Academic enhancement Center, Identity Centers, Quiet and Accessible spaces to study EMOTIONAL - Counseling Center, and the ND Mental Health groups with the Counseling Center
DAI doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all program for our neurodivergent students, because a singular model cannot meet the needs of a rich, diverse, and nuanced collective of disability identities! DAI provides numerous opportunities for our neurodiverse students to choose from.

Every workshop, program, intersectional identity group, and meet-up is developed by or with input from neurodivergent individuals. We center the overlap of lived experience with current thought and research, agency, and pride in identity. Every workshop, course, event, or activity is crafted with respect, care, and purpose, fostering authentic inclusion and meaningful skill development.

DAI is proud to provide neurodivergent opportunities at no additional cost, supporting student access and participation without undue financial hardship. DAI takes our responsibility and role as to uphold inclusion seriously, and since fees associated with disability-related experiences are ever-present and often significant, we are glad to remove these barriers to vital services and supports.

START URI

START URI is a one-year, no-fee, strengths and growth-mindset-based transition and leadership cohort experience, designed collaboratively with and for autistic students. Through connecting with an identity-affirming peer community, proactive exposure to the hidden curriculum of higher education, and respectful support, START empowers students to build motivation, autistic/neurodivergent pride, and participate in authentic, real-world skill-development, both socially and academically from day one. This is why START prioritizes the student’s voice and choice in participating.

What to Expect:

  1. Students must be accepted and confirm enrollment to URI. Next, the student must participate in a DAI Prospective/Incoming Student Info Session, or view the Info Session video on our New Student page.
  2. The student must complete the DAI three step eligibility process (Intake Form, Documentation, Meeting) 
  3. The student will attend a START URI Info Session, after which, they will receive and may complete the the START URI application if interested. 
  4. Once the application is received, the student will participate in an informal, solo, structured virtual interview.