Navigating Neurodiversity: Insights from an Interview with Maria Blaeuer on Challenges and Opportunities in Adult Education and Human Resource Development
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| Title: | Navigating Neurodiversity: Insights from an Interview with Maria Blaeuer on Challenges and Opportunities in Adult Education and Human Resource Development |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura (ORCID |
| Source: | New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Development. 2026 38(2):176-181. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Adult Education |
| Descriptors: | Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Adult Education, Students with Disabilities, Barriers, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Legal Responsibility, Adjustment (to Environment), Inclusion, Accessibility (for Disabled), Self Concept, Self Advocacy, Social Bias, Civil Rights, Experiential Learning |
| DOI: | 10.1177/19394225251412750 |
| ISSN: | 1939-4225 |
| Abstract: | This perspective examines the challenges and opportunities faced by neurodiverse individuals in adult education (AE) and human resource development (HRD) through an interview with attorney Maria Blaeuer, Director of Programs and Outreach at Advocates for Justice and Education. The semi-structured interview approach provided flexibility to explore key themes, offering valuable insights into neurodiversity in educational and professional environments. The article applies Critical Disability Theory, which critiques the medical model of disability, and Experiential Learning Theory to analyze systemic barriers, such as ableist practices and legal frameworks, that hinder neurodiverse individuals' development. Additionally, the study highlights the transition challenges from K-12 education to higher education or the workforce, where legal protections shift responsibility onto individuals. The discussion emphasizes the need for inclusive environments, proactive accommodation strategies, and the importance of developing neurodiverse identities and self-advocacy skills. Recommendations for educators and HRD professionals include fostering rights-based approaches, challenging ableist language, and promoting continuous learning opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to thrive. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504097 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | This perspective examines the challenges and opportunities faced by neurodiverse individuals in adult education (AE) and human resource development (HRD) through an interview with attorney Maria Blaeuer, Director of Programs and Outreach at Advocates for Justice and Education. The semi-structured interview approach provided flexibility to explore key themes, offering valuable insights into neurodiversity in educational and professional environments. The article applies Critical Disability Theory, which critiques the medical model of disability, and Experiential Learning Theory to analyze systemic barriers, such as ableist practices and legal frameworks, that hinder neurodiverse individuals' development. Additionally, the study highlights the transition challenges from K-12 education to higher education or the workforce, where legal protections shift responsibility onto individuals. The discussion emphasizes the need for inclusive environments, proactive accommodation strategies, and the importance of developing neurodiverse identities and self-advocacy skills. Recommendations for educators and HRD professionals include fostering rights-based approaches, challenging ableist language, and promoting continuous learning opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to thrive. |
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| ISSN: | 1939-4225 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/19394225251412750 |
