Hiram College has been named one of seven pilot institutions for the College Autism Network (CAN)’s inaugural Autism-Inclusive Campus Designation™ (AICD), the first of its kind in North America. The AICD is awarded to U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities—regardless of size or type—that strive across their mission and community to create environments that support the inclusion and success of autistic and other neurodivergent people. An inclusive campus is one where neurodivergent individuals can live authentically, grow personally and professionally, contribute meaningfully, and experience belonging.
During the pilot phase, participating institutions applied to be assessed for the designation and are now working with CAN to achieve it. CAN will provide trained reviewers, evidence-based resources, and feedback throughout the process. After designation, institutions may continue collaborating with CAN and a network of AICD campuses. Pilot institutions include Arizona State University, Hiram College, Pacific University, Rowan University, St. Joseph’s University, Towson University, and the University of Cincinnati – Clermont College.
The AICD is inspired by AsIAm’s model developed in Ireland in partnership with Dublin City University and Specialisterne Ireland to improve access and success for autistic learners. Building on that framework, CAN created new principles and actions to guide campuses in fostering neurodiversity.
Through advocacy, research, and training, CAN supports institutions in becoming spaces where neurodivergent learners, faculty, and staff thrive. The AICD expands this mission by recognizing the importance of empowering neurodivergent faculty and staff to serve as role models and leaders, shaping more inclusive campus cultures.
Institutions achieving the AICD are guided by the following actions:
- Reduce barriers by using a holistic approach, offering differentiated accommodations, and engaging in dialogue around individual and shared needs.
- Employ evidence-based efforts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for neurodivergent individuals in all campus roles.
- Foster empowerment through environments that support self-advocacy, personal goal-setting, and self-defined success.
- Ensure neurodivergent voices are included in decision-making, upholding the principle of “nothing about us without us.”
- Explore structural and cultural changes to integrate neurodivergent people as active contributors to campus life and society.
- Highlight the unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals and collectives to advance inclusion and institutional excellence.
The College Autism Network is a 501c3 organization that links varied stakeholders engaged in evidence-guided efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for postsecondary students with autism.
By Jenelle Sanders
