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Webinar recap: Creating Accessible Content for Our Neurodiverse World
This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on September 16, 2026, as part of our free quarterly plain language series. Check out the recording, notes, and resources below.
This webinar covers:
What neurodiversity is and some of the barriers that prevent people from accessing services they need
The connections between neurodiversity, universal design, and plain language
Strategies for increasing accessibility in documents, presentations, and more
Key ideas
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how brains process information and interact with the world. Everyone's brain is different. And we know that there are ways of processing that are more common among people with certain conditions or disabilities.
Helpful terms to know
Neurodivergent:
the concept of describing people who identify has having cognitive traits outside the norm
not a medical term but often used by people to define themselves as unique or in contrast from the norm
Neurotypical: the concept of describing people who perceive and interact with the world in a socially acceptable way
Invidisble disability:
conditions that are not immediately apparent but still impact how people navigate the world
also known as hidden or non-visible disabilities
it's important to note that not everyone who identifies as neurodivergent has a disability and not everyone with a disability identifies as being neurodivergent
Executive functioning skills: the brain's management system, affecting memory, emotional reactions, organization, following directions, and more
Common communication challenges
These examples are not comprehensice or universal, but can help you start thinking about the ways communication challenges neurodivergent folks experience.
Executive functioning:
Organizing and keeping track of documents
Following multistep instruction
Receiving information:
Focusing and filtering sensory information
Needing more time to process
Reading tone and body language
Producing information:
Putting feelings and ideas into words
Communicating through tone and body language
5 Strategies you can apply to your work
Share your “why”
When you ask for information, tell people why you need it and how it will be used. When you give instructions, explain the reason for what you're asking someone to do. This clarity can remove uncertainty and knowing the "why" can be motivating for some folks.
Use clear, everyday language
Long sentences and dense paragraphs can be especially challenging for folks who struggle with working memory (part of executive functioning). Simple, everyday language is easier for most people to process. It also helps create a more welcoming tone.
Group information logically and predictably
When information is where we expect it to be, we can more readily focus on the details. Group information thematically and use headings to guide readers.
Use images to support understanding
Walls of text are overwhelming for most people, but can be especially intimidating for folks who have trouble focusing or processing a lot of information at once. Icons and other visuals make a text more interesting to look at, help with memory, and create reasting points for our brain.
Break down processes clearly
Explaining processes clearly creates a sense of predictability and security. When we don't know what to expect, sometimes we spend a lot of mental energy trying to figure out what to do or what comes next. We want to remove as much uncertainty as possible, so folks can focus on what's most important.
Additional Resources
Divergent Mind – By Jenara Nerenberg
Reflections on Neurodiversity – Judy Singer
Book: Save our slides
Interested in learning more about professional development at Literacy Works? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.
© 2026 Literacy Works
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