Academy for Neurodiversity

A unique, collaborative program dedicated to integrating lifelong services for the developmentally disabled including education and workforce training; medical, mental health, and behavioral services; legal advocacy; transportation; and athletics and recreation.

Academy Mission

The mission of RCSJ’s Academy for Neurodiversity is to serve populations encompassing all aspects of special needs beginning from the transition out of high school through adult life by means of direct service and/or multi-agency referral relationships.

The Academy is built around eight main components:

  1.  Education & Workforce Training
  2. Employment Services
  3. Medical Services
  4. Mental Health & Behavioral Services
  5. Transportation
  6. Housing & Sustenance
  7. Athletics & Recreation
  8. Legal Advocacy Services

Academy Goals

  • Provide the resources needed for individuals with special needs to live full, productive, and meaningful lives
    • Establish a pipeline of resources and referrals across a network of partners, as outlined in the Academy’s eight main components
  • Raise awareness in the community and workplace
    • Educate the public and highlight to employers the benefits of hiring individuals with special needs
  • Expand educational opportunities by emphasizing a multi-disciplinary approach to education
    • Support untapped student talent through focused training programs, academic accommodations, assistive technologies, and flexible scheduling arrangements

On October 25, 2023, Rowan College of South Jersey, Rowan University and its medical schools, Gloucester County Special Services District, and Gloucester and Cumberland Counties teamed up on a collaborative model to provide lifelong services for developmentally disabled.

RCSJ’s president, Fred Keating, Ed.D. announced the new initiative, joined by former Senate President, Steve Sweeney; Chad Bruner, Gloucester County Administrator and Rowan University Board of Trustees Chair; Gloucester County Board of Commissioners Director, Frank DiMarco: Gloucester County Special Services School District Superintendent, James Dundee; Dr. Jennifer LeComte, and Director of the Rowan Integrated Special Needs Center at Rowan's School of Osteopathic Medicine; supported by officials, community members, parents, and students.

In addition to the Academy, the Housing Authority of Gloucester County also celebrated the groundbreaking of a three-story residence at South College Drive,  which will provide 24 one-bedroom rent-supported apartments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The residence includes a community room, lounges, laundry facilities and office space for an on-site Counselor of Special Services. The project is being funded with $7.365 million in National Housing Trust funds and $3.75 million in grants from Gloucester County.

“It’s all about supporting students and meeting them where they are. If you're choosing to be here, we're going to support whatever your strengths are; help you work on the things that maybe aren’t strengths yet; and we're going to help you figure out the best path forward.”

Dr. Guy Davidson
Dean of Academic Advancement & Special Services
Chair of the Academy for Neurodiversity

Introducing the Academy for Neurodiversity

RCSJ and its partners announce the creation of the Academy for Neurodiversity on RCSJ’s Gloucester campus.

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

RCSJ and its partners hosted this information session designed for the parents of children with special needs as part of their ongoing Community Education Series.

For More Information

Contact

Academy for Neurodiversity
 Dr. Guy Davidson
Dean of Academic Advancement & Special Services
856-494-5691
[email protected]