On April 26, students and families from across New York City gathered to celebrate Learn Different Day—a celebration of community, learning, art, and fun for students and their families, dedicated to supporting and uplifting neurodiverse individuals.

Hosted by The Neurodiversity Alliance in partnership with NYC Public Schools and CUNY, the event offered students and families the opportunity to hear from local experts, connect to vital resources, and celebrate the strength and diversity of different ways of learning.
The event featured a series of workshops and a panel discussion led by Jesse Sanchez, Managing Director of Programs at The Neurodiversity Alliance.

Panelists included:

Natalie Diaz, Chief of Staff at NYC Her Future

Suzanne Sanchez, Chief of Special Education, NYC Public Schools Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning

Nicole Azran, Student Disability Services Specialist

Amanda Weare, Parent of neurodivergent students, Neurodiversity Student Advocate, and General Counsel at Collibra

Panelists shared their expertise and lived experiences, providing insights on how schools, communities, and workplaces can better support neurodivergent individuals. 

Learn Different Day is part of a citywide initiative to launch inclusive clubs and bring vital resources to neurodivergent students at high schools and colleges throughout NYC. This effort reflects a growing commitment to ensure that all students, regardless of how they learn, have access to the community, resources, and opportunities they need and deserve.

The Neurodiversity Alliance is a national organization dedicated to improving educational experiences and outcomes for students who learn differently while promoting inclusion. Through a growing network of high school and college clubs, scholarships, leadership opportunities, national campaigns, and award-winning mentoring programs, the Alliance builds community, fosters peer support, and empowers the next generation of leaders and advocates for neurodiversity.