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This February, we’re celebrating the deep connections between Black history, disability rights, and advocacy. This month reminds us that Black leaders have long been at the forefront of the fight for inclusion and accessibility, shaping the movements that continue to drive change today.
During Black History Month, we honor trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, who championed both LGBTQ+ and disability justice, and Brad Lomax, a key figure in the historic 504 sit-in, which led to stronger protections against disability discrimination. Advocates like Johnnie Lacy who fought for independent living, voting rights movement leader Fannie Lou Hamer who openly spoke about disability and civil rights, and Lois Curtis who helped secure the landmark Olmstead Supreme Court decision, affirming the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. Their legacies and many other Black disability rights leaders continue to inspire and guide our work toward a more inclusive world.
February is also a time for self-care and self-love, and we are proud to uplift young neurodivergent voices who are embracing their identities and challenging stigma. That’s why we are excited to launch our annual Strike Out Stigma campaign, empowering young people to explore how misconceptions about learning differences impact the neurodiverse community. By learning, sharing, and advocating, we can break down barriers and create lasting change.
Finally, we are thrilled to share that our Founder and CEO, David Flink, has been named a 2025 Elevate Prize winner! This prestigious award recognizes his unwavering commitment to empowering neurodiverse young people and driving systemic change in education. Over the next two years, he will also receive tailored support in communications, storytelling, and visibility to expand our reach and amplify the voices of neurodiverse youth. This is a monumental moment for our movement, and we couldn’t be prouder of David and the impact this will have on our community!
News & Updates
Strike Out Stigma is an annual campaign raising awareness of learning differences and their impact on the neurodiverse community. Participants nationwide join a creative project, turning a 9-pin bowling set into a powerful symbol—knocking down stigmas one pin at a time. Follow us on social media to see how young people are striking out stigma in their communities!
David Flink Named Elevate Prize Winner
We’re proud to announce that our Founder and CEO, Dave Flink, has won the Elevate Prize! This honor recognizes his commitment to supporting and empowering neurodiverse young people. This is a monumental moment for the ND Alliance and our community—congratulations, Dave!
What is Neurodiversity?
You’ve probably heard of the terms neurodiverse, neurodivergent, or neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is part of our organization’s name, and we’re here to help you figure out where it came from and what it means. Learn about the origin of this term and why we use it.
5 Inspiring Lessons from Nurse and Entrepreneur Kaitlin McCarthy on Loving Your Neurodiversity
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, Kaitlin faced challenges but never let them hold her back. Now an ER nurse, children’s book author, and CPR instructor, she’s proving that neurodivergence isn’t a barrier to success—it’s a different path to it.
ND Alliance Board Spotlight:
Inger Dewey-Golob
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Inger Dewey-Golob, a longtime supporter of the Neurodiversity Alliance and our dedicated Board Chair. As Co-Owner of PhotoBall and a passionate learning disability advocate, Inger has been a vital part of our board since 2018.
Upcoming Events
FREE Strike Out Stigma
Virtual Event
This interactive training will teach Right To Be’s 5Ds of Bystander Intervention—distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct—to address disrespect and harassment. Join us for this important training!
Calling all Bay Area supporters!
Join the Neurodiversity Alliance and CEO David Flink to celebrate comedian Phil Hanley’s new book, Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith. This exclusive in-person event highlights his journey as a dyslexic writer and performer, using sharp wit and humor to break stigma through storytelling.
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