LANSING, Mich., — Lansing Community College joins communities nationwide in recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects millions of individuals and families. It is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction, and each person experiences it differently. Autism Awareness Month offers an opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity and to advocate for inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities.

“Awareness is the first step toward acceptance,” said Dr. Toni Glasscoe, Associate Vice President of External Affairs. “By educating our communities and promoting inclusion, we can ensure that individuals with autism are valued and respected and that they have every opportunity to succeed.”
LCC is proud to continue its transformation into a more inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly campus that supports the success and well-being of all students, including those on the autism spectrum.

As part of this ongoing effort, LCC partnered with leading experts from Landmark College’s Institute for Research and Training. The team conducted a comprehensive review of the college’s campus environment, policies, and practices, engaging directly with students and employees to identify areas for growth and improvement.

Implementation is already underway, and the college will focus its efforts over the next two years on the three key areas outlined below. 

• Building Professional Development Pathways: Identify professional learning pathways that build campus-wide understanding of neurodivergence, equip faculty and staff with practical strategies, and ensure the sustainability of inclusive practices.
• Social Integration, Inclusion and Community Building: Foster belonging and reduce stigma for neurodivergent students while strengthening relationships among students, faculty and staff (by expanding peer support, inclusive programming and neurodivergence awareness).
• Sensory-Friendly Environments: Improve physical spaces and sensory experiences across all LCC campuses to reduce overstimulation, increase comfort, and ensure that neurodivergent students and employees can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

To view the full report and learn more about how LCC remains autism-aware, please visit the webpage.

 

About Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College, founded in 1957, is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan, serving more than 14,500 students across a six-county area each year. LCC offers courses in general education for those interested in transferring to a four-year institution, career and workforce development, developmental education and personal enrichment. To meet the professional development and training needs of regional employees, the college offers customized programs for credit, non-credit and continuing education. The Transfer Center at LCC offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from five partner universities on the downtown LCC campus. For more information, visit lcc.edu.

LCC provides equal opportunity for all persons and prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or participate in educational programs, courses, services or activities offered by the College.

For information regarding the nondiscrimination policies contact: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square, Suite 150, Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730.

For employees 504/ADA Accommodations contact: HR Director of Total Compensation & Employment, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875;

For students 504/ADA Accommodations contact: Care Services Manager, Center for Student Support, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1358.

For Title IX, reporting, or complaints contact: Director of Risk Management & Legal Affairs, Student and Employee Title IX Coordinator, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square, Suite 150, Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730, and/or U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, Michigan Department of Civil Rights.