Capilano Universe: Rethinking Inclusion Through a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens
Inclusive education often focuses on compliance rather than true belonging. In this talk, join Kinza Pirzada to earn how schools can move beyond technical fixes to create learning environments grounded in empathy, reflection and shared responsibility.
Inclusive education often focuses on compliance rather than true belonging. In this talk, Kinza Pirzada examines how schools can move beyond technical fixes to create learning environments grounded in empathy, reflection and shared responsibility.
Drawing on her doctoral research, she examines how systemic ableism and professional norms influence the experiences of neurodivergent learners, sharing real-life stories from the field that highlight the disparity between policy and practice. Participants will gain insight into how educators and leaders can shift from “managing difference” to embracing diversity as a source of innovation and growth.
This session invites attendees to imagine schools as communities where every learner feels seen, valued and connected.
About the speaker
Kinza Pirzada (EdD, MPEd, MSc) is an educator, researcher and inclusive education leader whose work focuses on neurodiversity-affirming practice, educational equity and student-centred learning. She serves as an Inclusive Education Helping Teacher with the Surrey School District and teaches in the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Development at Capilano University. Her doctoral research explores how institutional structures and cultural norms shape belonging for neurodivergent learners. With over a decade of experience across K–12 and postsecondary education in Canada and the U.S., Pirzada bridges policy and practice to support inclusive systems that honour human diversity. Her work emphasizes relational leadership, compassion and justice-driven transformation in learning environments.
Location: Gibsons & District Public Library, Virtual only
This lecture is part of the 2025 free Capilano Universe Speaker Series, led by expert Capilano University instructors.