General News
28 March, 2024
Inclusion and self-appreciation at the forefront
TERANG College students welcomed a special guest presenter last week to celebrate the simple fact that everyone is a little different.
Students welcomed I CAN Network founder and chief enabling officer Chris Varney for a presentation on inclusion and acceptance of those living with neurodivergence, a term used to describe the variants in mental functions and those whose brain processes information in ways not considered typical.
Mr Varney was born with autism but did not let that stop him from obtaining a degree in law, and, in 2013, pioneering the I CAN Network which had grown to become Australia’s largest autistic-led organisation with 106 staff – 82 of which are neurodivergent.
As part of its function, the I CAN Network provides mentoring to schools to promote greater inclusion among all students, and a sense of confidence, optimism and self-acceptance in neurodivergent students.
“I created I CAN Network more than 10 years ago with the idea of putting neurodivergent adults in schools, so students with autism, dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, those with a diagnosed neurodivergence, could see themselves in an adult who is living a full and healthy life,” Mr Varney said.
“I wanted mentors to help kids feel good about themselves, to have pride in their own differences, and to feel a sense of belonging and confidence with a positive self-image.
“At the beginning, I was worried the idea wouldn’t work, but we slowly built it up to be across more than 100 government schools.
“The staff I work with are extraordinary, and that’s the power of the program – you’re putting in front of students the adults who have been in their shoes and can show them that they can get through anything they are struggling with.”
Mr Varney’s presentation was part of Terang College’s efforts to celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration week, a week to celebrate the differences in the way people’s brains work, and the way people experience and interact with the world differently.
Terang College boasts an above average cohort of neurodivergent students, and has subsequently sought to heighten inclusivity and encourage all students to become the best versions of themselves.
Mr Varney said his presentation aimed to show students that they are seen, cared for, and capable of anything they put their minds to.
“As it was Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I wanted to encourage everyone to be proud of thinking differently,” he said.
“If you’re lucky enough to have a neuro-difference, then own it.
“We want them to be proud of themselves.”
Mr Varney said he believed rural schools had been leading the way in increasing visibility and acceptance of neurodivergent students, as tight-knit communities worked hard to ensure everyone felt a sense of belonging.
“Rural areas are really getting their act together,” he said.
“We need to normalise our differences, and for it to become a normal part of the way we work.
“Regional and rural schools can be really accepting because everyone knows each other, information gets passed really quickly, and it’s an advantage.
“I’m seeing a lot of good change in regional school.”