April is widely recognized as Neurodiversity Awareness and Acceptance Month, a tradition that grew from World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, established by the United Nations in 2008, and has since expanded to celebrate the full spectrum of neurological differences throughout the month. Neurodiversity conveys the idea that there is no single way of thinking, learning, or behaving. It is often used in the context of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations – bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and innovations.
In recognition of Neurodiversity Awareness Month, CMD-IT proudly reaffirms our commitment to building intentional, inclusive spaces where every member of our community can thrive. For all CMD-IT programs, including the Tapia Conference, accessibility and belonging remain central to the attendee experience, from thoughtfully designed presentations that prioritize readability and cognitive accessibility, to live Q&A engagement supported through accessible event apps that make participation easier for all learning and communication styles. We are also deepening our focus on representation by intentionally elevating neurodiverse speakers, including keynote talks that explore what it means to live and work from a neurodiverse perspective. These efforts reflect CMD-IT’s mission to ensure the computing community is welcoming for CMD-IT’s target communities: African Americans/Blacks, Native Americans/Indigenous, Hispanics/Latinx, and People with Disabilities.
CMD-IT is pleased to highlight other outstanding organizations and resources that support the neurodiverse community.
The Neurodiversity Alliance
The Neurodiversity Alliance (NA) is the nation’s largest and leading nonprofit organization founded by, and for, students who learn differently. NA’s mission is to improve the educational experience and outcomes of students who learn differently, while growing the neurodiversity movement for a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Together, NA envisions a world that fully embraces and values neurodiversity. Below we highlight two of NA’s activities:
- ND Alliance Celebrity Ambassador, Phil Hanley, Talks Growing Up with Dyslexia: https://thendalliance.org/nd-alliance-celebrity-ambassador-phil-hanley-talks-growing-up-with-dyslexia/
- Top 5 Neurodiversity Internships for Neurodivergent Students in 2026: https://thendalliance.org/top-5-neurodiversity-internships-for-neurodivergent-students-in-2026/
Knowbility
Knowbility, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas and an award-winning leader in accessible information technology. Knowbility’s mission is to create an inclusive digital world for people with disabilities. Knowbility produces a free monthly accessibility webinar series, named Be a Digital Ally, for digital content creators of all skill levels. Below we highlight two of Knowbility’s activities:
- Be a Digital Ally: Creating Accessible PDF Forms, Video: https://knowbility.org/blog/2026/be-a-digital-ally-creating-accessible-pdf-forms
- Knowbility Learning Center: Knowbility Learning Center workshops and resources will teach you how to get your site ready for 100% of your visitors and show your commitment to digital equity and inclusion https://learning.knowbility.org/local/sitepages/homepage.php
AccessComputing
AccessComputing empowers people with disabilities towards inclusion and success in computing education and careers. AccessComputing achieves this through (1) direct interventions to support computing students in increasing the participation of people with disabilities in computing and (2) by increasing the capacity of computing educators, employers, and organizations to include people with disabilities. When more citizens have access to computing opportunities, and when computing fields are enhanced by the perspectives of people with disabilities, we all benefit. Below we highlight two AccessComputing resources:
- For students: https://accesscomputing.uw.edu/for-students-overview/
- For Educators and Employers: https://accesscomputing.uw.edu/for-educator-and-employers-overview/
CMD-IT believes that diversity of thought and experience drives innovation. Neurodiversity offers unique perspectives that can reshape technology and its impact. As the tech industry evolves, so must our commitment to creating inclusive environments where neurodivergent students and professionals can thrive.