Center for Disability Leadership - CDL

06/04/2026

The workday mask takes massive energy. When it drops, the "masking hangover" begins. 🎭

Read below for simple ways to support neurodivergent loved ones through sensory decompression!

🎭THE WEIGHT OF THE MASK
- MASKING … WHAT YOU DON'T SEE

“THE MASKING HANGOVER"

To start: What is masking? (stay tuned all next week for more posts on masking)!

It is when neurodivergent people consciously or unconsciously suppress their natural traits, behaviors, or sensory needs to fit into a neurotypical world.

It’s the exhausting effort of hiding sensory overload, anxiety, or neurodivergent traits just to "blend in" at school or work.

It takes a massive amount of energy, leading directly to the dreaded "masking hangover."

Keeping the mask on all day takes immense physical and emotional energy:

• Avoid immediatly asking:
"How was your day?"

• Offer dim lights:
Silence & soft music help!

• Offer snacks and hydration:
Physical depletion makes masking worse.

• Co-regulate with silence:
Just sit nearby without requiring them to talk.

Article “When Neurodivergent Burnout Reaches Its Breaking Point” — LINK: additudemag.com/autistic-adhd-burnout-neurodivergent-masking/

Attitude Magazine Autism Society Central Virginia Autism Society Tidewater Virginia Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group (CRAAG) The Arc of Northern Virginia

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: Association of University Centers on Disabilities VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities

06/04/2026

🫵 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WE NEED YOU! 7 Youth Needed! Want to lead inclusion in Virginia schools and get paid $25/hour?

The Inclusion Project is looking for 7 student leaders. Space is limited—apply today to make an impact and earn!

WE NEED YOU! 7 SPOTS For CHANGEMAKERS ages 14-22

✅Paid Opportunity
✅Resume Builder
✅Statewide Impact

APPLY: tinyurl.com/Youth-Application-VDOE

💥YOUTH LEADER SPOTLIGHT💥 KIM DRUDGE

Why is inclusion important?

It's everything, as small as allowing a person with a
disability to sit at the lunch table and join the conversation...or as big as serving in the military or becoming a first responder.

WEBSITE: inclusionproject.partnership.vcu.edu

The Inclusion Project is affiliated with: Partnership for People with Disabilities VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Virginia Department of Education - VDOE

06/03/2026

Blending in shouldn't feel like a marathon. 🎭If you're exhausting yourself to fit in, you aren't living—you're performing.

Check out this vital new series on neurodivergent masking from the Center for Family Involvement.

Connect with CFI for free 1-on-1 support 🤩

06/03/2026

🫵 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WE NEED YOU! 7 Youth Needed! Want to lead inclusion in Virginia schools and get paid $25/hour?

The Inclusion Project is looking for 7 student leaders. Space is limited—apply today to make an impact and earn!

WE NEED YOU! 7 SPOTS For CHANGEMAKERS ages 14-22

✅Paid Opportunity
✅Resume Builder
✅Statewide Impact

APPLY: tinyurl.com/Youth-Application-VDOE

💥YOUTH LEADER SPOTLIGHT💥 JASON KRAUSE

Why is inclusion important?
We (all) matter, Love wins.

How will you change the world?
Make everything accessible for everyone, to start.

WEBSITE: inclusionproject.partnership.vcu.edu

The Inclusion Project is affiliated with: Partnership for People with Disabilities VCU School of Education vdoe_news

06/01/2026

Huge congrats to Dana Yarbrough and the CFI team! 🥳 The AUCD just spotlighted their incredible 18-month partnership with the Chickahominy Tribe.

🔦 SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT💥
Huge shoutout to our Director, Dana Yarbrough! 🌟

Dana and the CFI team were just featured by the AUCD for their incredible work partnering with the Chickahominy Tribe.

By listening first and moving at the community's pace, they are building bridges and expanding culturally responsive disability support across Virginia.

Article title: The Partnership for People with Disabilities
Expands Work with Tribal Communities

ARTICLE: tinyurl.com/Dana-Yarbrough

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

06/01/2026

🫵 Students with disabilities, 7 Youth Needed! Want to lead inclusion in Virginia schools and get paid $25/hour?

The Inclusion Project is looking for 7 student leaders. Space is limited—apply today to make an impact and earn!

WE NEED YOU! 7 spots for changemakers ages 14-22

✅Paid Opportunity
✅Resume Builder
✅Statewide Impact

APPLY: tinyurl.com/Youth-Application-VDOE

💥YOUTH LEADER SPOTLIGHT💥 JANAI SANTIAGO

Why is inclusion important? Inclusion means the world to me because it gives us opportunities and breaks down barriers.

How will you change the world? By advocating for inclusion in education; I'm passionate about education.

WEBSITE: inclusionproject.partnership.vcu.edu

The Inclusion Project is affiliated with: Partnership for People with Disabilities VCU School of Education Virginia Department of Education - VDOE

05/28/2026

Behind every resilient family is an incredible Support Parent. 🫶 Check out this amazing post from Parent to Parent USA and click below to give the ultimate gift of connection! 💜

💜 Give the Gift of Connection! 💜

Behind every family navigating a complex diagnosis or disability is a need for someone who truly understands. Our volunteer Support Parents are those lifelines—providing trained, trauma-informed, and deeply empathetic mentorship to families when they need it most.

We want to send these incredible mentors to the national Support Parent Summit, where they will gain crucial skills in self-care, active listening, and healthy boundaries to continue strengthening our community.

But we can’t do it without you. 🙏

Your generosity will help cover the costs to give a Support Parent the opportunity to learn, recharge, and connect with peers from across the country.

✨ How you can help:
👉 Click the link to donate today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/gift-of-connection-send-a-support-parent-to-the-summit
👉 Share this post with your friends and family to help us spread the word!

Thank you for helping us support the parents who support everyone else. 🫶

05/27/2026

😮 WAIT, WHAT?! Did you know Virginia Medicaid could cover 100% of your employer health insurance premium? Yes, even the part taken right out of your paycheck!💰

05/26/2026

🌊 Over 150 solar-powered, remote-operated track systems have been installed on public beaches, allowing wheelchair users to independently glide right into the ocean. Complete with accessible changing rooms and wooden walkways, this national initiative is transforming inclusive coastal tourism. 🎉

05/19/2026

True inclusion starts with understanding. 💡 From embracing fidgets to respecting sensory needs, hit share to pass these quick tips along to your circle!

😍Care Card ~ Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergence

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

Please Do 🙌

CELEBRATE THE "SPARK": Encourage interests. Recognizing passions and incorporating them into activities can lead to engagement.

ALLOW "STIMMING" & FIDGETS:
Natural movements like humming, rocking, or using a fidget toy help regulate their nervous system.

PROVIDE MULTIPLE PATHWAYS:
Some students might excel at a verbal report or a drawing rather than a traditional written essay.

ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME:
Neurodivergent brains might need extra time to read or process verbal prompts. Wait, allow time, and be patient.

BE FLEXIBLE: Learning and listening look different and eye contact can be uncomfortable. Doodling might help with focus.

Please Don't ✋

FORCE EYE CONTACT: This can unintentionally downplay the significant energy required to stay regulated or "mask."

DEMAND "WHOLE BODY LISTENING": Stillness doesn't equal learning. Many neurodivergent folks actually process information better when they are doodling, fidgeting, or pacing.

TREAT SENSORY NEEDS AS PREFERENCES: If someone says lights are too bright or a room is too loud, please take it seriously. This can cause physical and mental discomfort for some people.

I Can …

✅Partner on accommodations
✅Provide tools
✅Share "special interest" tips
✅Explain specific sensory needs

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities