Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity

Empowering Diverse Learners

Welcome to the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity!

The Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity (or CAN) empowers students with disabilities and diverse learners by providing accommodations, and services such as academic coaching, individualized study strategies, and support for transitioning to and through college.  

We foster and promote:

  • Identifying and using strengths and abilities, while helping students figure out ways to minimize barriers to learning
  • Equitable access. We believe all people should have an equitable chance to participate and access spaces, materials, and experiences
  • The belief that a wide range of cognitive skills and abilities is normal and desirable.  Difference doesn’t equate to deficit

The Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity also serves staff, faculty, and the Illinois Valley community by providing training and guidance on a wide range of learning difference/disability-related topics.

CAN Mission Statement

The mission of the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity is to support qualified students with disabilities and learning differences by facilitating equal access to courses, materials, services, and activities through reasonable accommodations.  In addition, CAN supports students with learning differences by providing information, support, tools, and resources to students, staff, and faculty, as well as community stakeholders.  Our goal is to empower diverse learners.

IVCC and CAN are committed to responding to the needs of students with disabilities as outlined in the Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans With Disabilities Act.

Office Information and Staff

  • CAN Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Standard Appointment Availability: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

To request an appointment, please visit our office (C-211), email us at can@ivcc.com or call us at 815-224-0634. You can also use our Bookings app to book online.

CAN Coordinator

Tina Hardy, M.S. Ed

Tina Hardy portraitPhone: 815-224-0284
Email: Tina_Hardy@ivcc.edu
Location: C-211, IVCC Oglesby Campus

Tina Hardy is the Coordinator for the Center of Accessibility and Neurodiversity. She is also the creator and facilitator of Get Set, a transition support program that helps high school students learn how to successfully navigate their collegiate path from high school. Tina also spearheads the student organization called Minds of All Kinds whose purpose is to educate and empower those with differing learning capabilities.

CAN Accommodations Specialist

Maria Robinson, B.A. Ed

Headshot of Maria Robinson.Phone: 815-224-0248
Email: Maria_Robinson@ivcc.edu
Location: C-211, IVCC Oglesby Campus

Maria Robinson is an Accommodations Specialist in the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity. Maria graduated from LP High School and attended IVCC before transferring to Illinois State University. Before joining IVCC, she taught Special Education for 6 years. As an Accommodations Specialist, she will work with students to determine reasonable accommodations that can be put in place and connect students with resources that will support them.