Senior Teaching Fellow Nicole Power of the Department of Biochemistry, left, and Associate University Librarian Shiobhan Smith work on a display for tomorrow’s Different Minds, Shared Support Expo. The expo will take place at Te Pou Whirinaki in the Link and selected spaces near the West Entrance of the Central Library between 10am and 3pm.
If you see a path of sunflowers in the Link tomorrow, you may just have stumbled across the Different Minds, Shared Support Expo.
A poster advertising the Different Minds, Shared Support Expo on tomorrow.
The inaugural expo, which has been timed to align with Neurodiversity Celebration Week, was initiated by Senior Teaching Fellow Nicole Power of the Department of Biochemistry, whose research looks at the importance of neuroinclusive practices at Otago.
“I wanted to do something to celebrate our neurodivergent students and knew I couldn’t do it alone.” Nicole says.
“I reached out to the Library, the wellbeing hub [Te Pou Whirinaki], the Locals programme, Disability Information and Support and a couple of senior students, asking if anyone would be interested in getting together to organise something.
“Everyone said yes.”
Representatives from other services were then included and the idea for the expo was born.
The expo will run from 10am to 3pm tomorrow in two locations – Te Pou Whirinaki in the Link and Seminar Rooms 1 and 2 near the West Entrance of the Central Library. The two spaces will be joined by a pathway of sunflowers, which were chosen to represent acceptance and inclusion, Nicole says.
“It’s important to me personally that all students at Otago feel valued and included.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week seemed like the perfect opportunity for all students to become more aware of what the University offers in terms of support for all different minds.”
Te Pou Whirinaki will offer a relaxed space with slime making, sensory activities, and friendly people to chat with, while the Library will feature a book display in the West Entrance foyer and information about support services in the two seminar rooms.
The expo will include a curated display from the Library’s collections featuring resources about neurodiversity and celebrating neurodivergent literature and authors. It can be found in the West Entrance foyer of the Central Library.
Associate University Librarian – Customer Experience Shiobhan Smith says libraries play a big role in connecting people with the information they need, as well as with each other.
“Through initiatives like this, we help ensure people can see themselves reflected in our spaces, collections, and services,” she says.
“For many neurodivergent people, the Library has also been a place of refuge. We value that relationship and aim to continue providing that sense of support and belonging.”
“Creating a safer, more responsive University environment – where people know how and where to access support – helps improve success, retention, and overall experience. It also enables the University to continue learning and improving." – Associate University Librarian – Customer Experience Shiobhan Smith
A special feature planned for the Library’s expo spaces is a low sensory hour from 10am.
“While this can be challenging in a busy university setting, we’ll take steps such as dimming lights, reducing noise, limiting strong smells (for example, by not having food present), and moderating interactions with visitors. This will take place within the two seminar rooms.”
Wikimedian in Residence, Tamsin Braisher, will also host a drop-in session from 12:30–1:30pm in Central Library Seminar Room 3, demonstrating how to enhance Wikipedia using materials from the neurodiversity display.
Events like the expo are important for the University community, Shiobhan says.
“Creating a safer, more responsive University environment – where people know how and where to access support – helps improve success, retention, and overall experience. It also enables the University to continue learning and improving.
“Importantly, this event is open to everyone. It provides an opportunity for those who are not neurodivergent, but are curious or want to better support others, to learn and engage. While neurodivergent people can face systemic barriers in areas such as wellbeing and education, they also bring valuable perspectives, creativity, and ways of thinking.”
*The Different Minds, Shared Support Expo is on Friday, 20 March, 10am–3pm at Te Pou Whirinaki and the Central Library.
– Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson