Special Lecture at VKC on 09/11 – Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups
Sep. 7, 2023—Announcing a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Special Lecture: “Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups; Examples of Applied Virtual Reality (VR) Led by Autistic Input and Feedback.” Presented by Dr. Nigel Newbutt, Ph.D. When: Monday, September 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT Where: Room 241, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/One Magnolia Circle Building (Virtual Option Available) Nigel Newbutt,...
Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivansan Publishes Op-Ed In Newsweek
Aug. 11, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan once again published an amazing opinion piece in a leading US magazine, this time discussing the “disheartening lack of progress in practical solutions for autistics” in a piece entitled, “The Dual Approach for Autism.” In the article, Hari states, “Within the autism community, two seemingly...
Deputy Director Dave Caudel Interviewed for CMA Today Article
Aug. 7, 2023—Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for an article released in CMA today entitled “Opening Minds: Unlock Strategies for Making Workplaces Inclusive of Neurodiversity”. Part of the article discusses accommodations in the workplace and how accommodations are often provided, unconsciously, for everyone. Dr. Caudel makes this point clear when...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Writes Op-Ed for Time that Discusses the Gaps in Autism Research Participation
Aug. 1, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow, Hari Srinivasan published an op-ed in Time discussing the gaps in autism research regarding the recruitment of research participants. Hari states: “This, in itself, contrasts with many autistics like me who are excluded from autism research due to the complexity of our issues, or because of the...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Posts Op-Ed in Fortune on the Importance of Remote Work in the Disabled Community
Jul. 28, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published an article in Fortune entitled: “Flexible work critics are using the same arguments that were used against disabled ramps and closed captioning. Equity of access should never be optional.” In the piece, Hari discusses the arguments now being made to roll back remote work...
FCAI Deputy Director Interviewed for Neurodiversity Empowerment YouTube
Jul. 24, 2023—Last week, Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for Episode 88 of the Dr. Gwen Empowered YouTube channel. This YouTube channel seeks to “empower neurodiverse and disabled individuals, their support systems, and anyone who deeply cares about this community.” Dr. Caudel was interviewed about how FCAI is working to transform...
FCAI NISE Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today
Jul. 14, 2023—This week, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published a piece in Psychology Today called “Dignity Remains Elusive for Many Disabled People”. In this article Hari describes his experiences as a visibly disabled neurodivergent individual. He describes his frustration at feeling infantilized in everyday interactions, such as...
Recording Available for FCAI June Webinar
Jul. 4, 2023—On June 29, 2023, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation monthly webinar series partnered with virtual reality company Floreo to discuss Workforce Skill Development and Virtual Reality. The panel was moderated by FCAI project coordinator Jessica Schonhut-Stasik and included four panelists (see bios below). We hope you enjoy this engaging conversation from these enthusiastic...
Recordings Available for “Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM: A National Leadership Summit”
Jun. 29, 2023—In July 2023, the National Academies of Sciences’ Keck Center in Washington D.C. hosted the hybrid “Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM: A National Leadership Summit” A host of panels and presentations discussed issues related to accessibility and inclusivity in STEM workplaces for disabled individuals. Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director was...
Announcing the Frist Center’s June Webinar
Jun. 20, 2023—The Frist Center is excited to announce our June webinar, which will be taking place on Thursday 29th June at 2pm CDT. The panel for this month’s webinar will discuss workforce skill development and how it can be enhanced by virtual reality. The speakers will be Vijay Ravindran, who is the founder and CEO of...