About Us

My Journey:

My journey into the world of neurodiversity advocacy began with a personal connection. I'm not just the creator of this website; I'm also neurodivergent myself. My life's journey has been a testament to the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in a world that often doesn't fully understand or accommodate our unique needs. As a parent, my son's educational journey has further highlighted the struggles associated with a lack of awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity. It's this personal experience that has fueled my dedication to making a difference. My difficulties and those faced by my son all revolve around the fundamental need for society to see neurodivergent individuals as individuals, each with their own strengths, talents, and abilities, as well as the importance of understanding and celebrating differences.

Neurodiversity Workshops:

One of the cornerstones of Defining Ability is my neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming practices workshop*. This workshop is a reflection of my passion for creating a world where neurodiversity is celebrated, and individuals are treated with the respect and understanding they deserve. I've developed this workshop to provide valuable insights and resources for individuals, educators, and organizations. It's a platform where you can learn about neurodiversity, gain practical strategies, and embrace neurodiversity-affirming practices to create a more inclusive environment. It's an opportunity for you to gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and practical strategies to foster inclusivity in your own life and the lives of those around you.

Resources and Continuous Learning:

But the journey doesn't end with a workshop. I've curated an extensive collection of resources to help you continue your journey and help facilitate your ongoing exploration of neurodiversity. These resources are available to empower you with knowledge, offering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and practical tools to implement neurodiversity-affirming practices in various settings.

A Haven for Neurodiversity-Affirming Resources:

DefiningAbility.org is more than just a website, it serves as a central hub for neurodiversity-affirming resources. Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or an individual on a personal quest to explore neurodiversity; you'll find a wealth of information and tools here to support your journey of understanding, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity. These resources will receive recurring updates and additions.**

My Mission:

My mission is to contribute to a world where neurodiversity is embraced, and individuals of all abilities are celebrated. I believe that through awareness, knowledge, and empathy, we can redefine ability and create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Thank you for visiting DefiningAbility.org. I'm excited to be a part of your journey, and together, we can make a difference by reshaping the way society views and treats neurodivergent individuals, redefine ability, and create a brighter future for all.

Erin Rolando

Founder, Defining Ability LLC

*my workshop is still in the development phase and will be scheduled soon. A preview of some of the topics my workshop will cover can be found on the home page.

**If you would like to make a recommendation for a resource that you would like to see featured on our website, please visit our suggestion box.