VOTA is Virginia's leading organization for occupational therapy practitioners and students. VOTA is committed to advocating for and further developing the profession of occupational therapy in our state.
Course Info
This course introduces the Principles of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice in contrast to traditional Pathology Paradigm and presents strategies for how to translate core principles into OT practice approaches with autistic clients across settings. The presentation centers the lived experience of autistic communities through the Lived Experience Informed Practice Framework to bridge community advocacy and professional practice.
This webinar is free for members of VOTA and $20.00 for non-members.
Presenter Info
Jordan Andrews Noah, she/her, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP
Jordan earned a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University in 2019. She obtained the NBCOT microcredential in OTR Adult Mental Health in 2025. Jordan’s professional mission is to promote holistic and person-centered practices, to be an advocate for those that have long been disenfranchised, and provide an empathetic approach to helping others. She currently works in a community mental health setting providing occupational therapy services as a part of the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) early psychosis program and Illness Management, & Recovery team. In addition, she is an adjunct professor for Pacific University’s occupational therapy program.
Dae Diamond-Melendez, they/them, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP
Dae graduated from Pacific University in 2025 with a doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a concentration in Interprofessional Education. Their approach to occupational therapy is shaped by their community organizing background and their own lived experiences as an autistic queer and trans person of color with bipolar. They are passionate about occupational justice and placing intersectionality at the forefront of care that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neurodiversity-affirming. They served as an adjunct professor for Pacific University’s occupational therapy program in the 2025-2026 academic year, and work as an OT for the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) early psychosis program.
Registration Info
To register, visit: https://www.aspireoted.com/course/vota-neurodiversity-affirming
To access the webinar for free, VOTA members should use the following guide: https://www.aspireoted.com/virginia-member-guide
