Designing for neurodiversity means creating online learning that works for every brain. This session shares practical, inclusive strategies to support learners with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more—using real-world examples, learner personas, and easy-to-apply design tips that help all students thrive in digital environments.

Online learning environments often assume a one-size-fits-all approach, unintentionally creating barriers for neurodivergent learners—those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and related cognitive differences. This session explores how inclusive instructional design can better support these learners by embracing neurodiversity as a strength rather than a challenge. As digital education continues to expand, ensuring that learning experiences are accessible, engaging, and empowering for all students is more important than ever.

Level of Participation

The session will be highly interactive, incorporating real-world learner personas, small-group scenario discussions, and a live course audit activity. Attendees will work in pairs or small groups to identify potential barriers in sample course materials and brainstorm inclusive design solutions. Polls and collaborative whiteboarding tools may be used to gather insights and encourage participation throughout the session.

Session Goals

Individuals attending this session will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of how neurodivergent learners experience online learning differently.
• A practical checklist of inclusive design strategies aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Tools and templates for evaluating and improving course accessibility.
• Confidence to advocate for inclusive practices within their own teams and institutions.

This session is designed for instructional designers, faculty, and learning technologists who want to create more inclusive and effective online learning environments. No prior expertise in accessibility or neurodiversity is required—just a willingness to think differently about how people learn.

Heather Burgbacher, M.Ed.

Lead Learning Designer at Boundless Learning

Heather Burgbacher is a Lead Learning Designer with extensive experience in instructional strategy, leadership development, and organizational transformation. Her recent work includes mentoring instructional design teams, collaborating with subject matter experts, and leveraging data analytics to close achievement gaps and improve learner outcomes. Known for her creative, collaborative approach, she brings a deep commitment to designing equitable and effective digital learning environments.