Successful Kickoff: 'Building 4 Belonging' Unites Experts for School Equity

October 22, 2024, “Building 4 Belonging” has officially started! The 5-year NWA subsidized project to defeat feelings of loneliness in (autistic) high school students had its first online meeting. A diverse group of stakeholders, researchers, and professionals, all committed to fostering equity in school environments, representing different areas of expertise, including data science, architecture, psychology, and education, aim to develop spaces where all students, especially those with autism or other accessibility needs, can feel a sense of belonging. It was inspirational to hear the different perspectives, expertise, and be able to exchange ideas coming from all these diverse angles, including those with a lived experience on the topic.

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Expert Insights: Shaping Diversity for Equity in Spaces Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The event featured inspiring talks from experts, each offering valuable perspectives on building supportive school settings addressing different needs and abilities. Carolien Rieffe (University of Twente, Leiden University, UCL) discussed the importance of informal time in schools for autistic students, emphasizing how social experiences in non-structured times impact their sense of belonging. Elijah Delsink (Founder and Chair LBVSO), shared insights into the daily experiences of autistic students, providing first-hand perspectives on the challenges and needs these students face.

Magda Mostafa, a renowned architect (American University, Cairo), presented her work on autism-friendly architecture, exploring how school spaces can be designed to support sensory needs and social comfort. From the University of Twente, Dennis Reidsma introduced innovative uses of smart watches to monitor student engagement and social interaction in real-time, providing valuable data to inform inclusive practices.

Emma Beauxis-Aussalet (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) highlighted strategies to assess fairness and discrimination in educational settings, addressing both lab research and practical applications. Ellen Starke (Policy Officer, School Alliances Amsterdam-Diemen, Secondary Education) explained the role of school alliances in shaping inclusive policies and practices in Dutch schools, while Ivet Pieper (Stichting EMMA, The Hague) shared considerations for participatory research, emphasizing the importance of including students and educators in the co-creation process.

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Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration for Inclusive School Environments

“Building 4 Belonging” emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with schools, autism organizations (e.g. NVA, the Netherlands Organization for Autism), and other stakeholders to ensure that solutions are both practical and impactful. This interdisciplinary collaboration promises to address both the physical and social barriers in schools, fostering environments where every student feels valued. In January, project members will reconvene at the University of Twente to further engage and collaborate, setting the stage for meaningful progress in the months ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates on this impactful project on our events page.

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