About Us

Opening Doors for Neurodivergent Belonging

We’re not just another nonprofit talking about neurodivergent people – we’re neurodivergent people creating the community we’ve always needed. Founded by and for the ND community, Umbrella ND is where authentic voices lead the way, rules get challenged, and everyone belongs.

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Our Story

Umbrella ND was born from a simple truth: self-advocacy works best when we support each other. Our founders, AJ Locashio & Jessica Jahns, saw brilliant neurodivergent people struggling not because they couldn’t advocate for themselves, but because they were doing it alone – fighting systems that weren’t built for us.

We decided to change that. Starting with community listening sessions, we heard a clear call for resources created by us, for us. Today, we’re building the intersectional, community-led organization our community deserves.

See what our founders have to say Meet our team.

Vision

Inclusion, equity, and the opportunity to thrive for all neurodivergent people.

Mission

Building a neurodivergent-led intersectional community to develop resources, education, and self-advocacy support for ND folks and their allies.

 
3 speech bubbles on a purple background. Resources, Education, Support

Our Commitments

More than just values. This is our pledge.

 

Engage

Engage the ND community and our allies in purposeful and meaningful conversations.

Educate

Educate to inform, address bias, and correct misinformation on intersectional neurodivergent experiences.

Create & Plan

Create and plan through an intersectional lens representative of ALL community members.

Challenge

Challenge perspectives to promote growth and sustainability.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Umbrella ND

 
Who does Umbrella ND serve?

We’re neurodivergent people creating resources for neurodivergent people. Everything we do comes directly from our community’s needs and experiences, not from outsiders making assumptions about us. We center marginalized voices, provide free or low-cost resources, and focus on real solutions that work for our daily lives. Most importantly – we don’t just include ND voices, we put them in charge.

We’re neurodivergent people creating resources for neurodivergent people. Everything we do comes directly from our community’s needs and experiences, not from outsiders making assumptions about us. We center marginalized voices, provide free or low-cost resources, and focus on real solutions that work for our daily lives. Most importantly – we don’t just include ND voices, we put them in charge.

Our focus is simple: increase community engagement by centering marginalized voices, highlight healthcare inequities facing intersectional ND people, improve access to community-created resources, and build strong partnerships that support ND well-being. We GET TO Change the Rules!

There are lots of ways to connect! Attend our Brainbow Media events, volunteer your skills, share your experiences, spread awareness on social media, make a donation, or just join our community conversations. Whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours, there’s a way for you to contribute that fits your life.

Neurodivergent describes people whose brains work differently from what society considers “typical.” This includes Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, Bipolar, Tourette’s, stroke and TBI survivors, and many other neurological differences. It’s not a medical diagnosis – it’s a way of celebrating brain diversity.

Absolutely not! Self-identification is valid. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are self-diagnosed, questioning, or somewhere in between – you belong here. We know getting diagnosed can be expensive, inaccessible, or unsafe for many people, especially those from marginalized communities.

We have three main initiatives:

  • Brainbow Media – our community engagement hub with webinars and events,

  • Neurodivergents’ Self-Advocacy Survival Guide – a comprehensive resource created by and for ND people

  • Autistic Advocates United – our grassroots advocacy partnership.

Each project centers neurodivergent voices and addresses real community needs.

Brainbow Media is our hub for community connection through webinars, live events, educational content, and skill-building workshops. It’s where we share resources, hear from community members, and create safe spaces for learning and conversation. All events prioritize accessibility and community input.

The Neurodivergents’ Self-Advocacy Survival Guide (SASG) is a comprehensive guidebook created by and for neurodivergent people to help with self-advocacy in all areas of life. It includes personal stories from ND advocates, practical strategies and tools, expert insights from neuro-affirming professionals, empowering exercises, and a complete resource directory. This guide was born directly from our community’s expressed needs during listening sessions. SASG will be published in April 2026 in celebration of Autistic Advocacy Month.

Autistic Advocates United is our grassroots advocacy partnership with Today’s Autistic Moment, driven by Autistic perspectives and concerns. Together, we defend Autistic rights, ensure access to essential supports, and build public understanding of the Autistic experience. We amplify Autistic voices, support grassroots advocacy efforts, share resources about Autistic autonomy, and advocate for systemic policy changes that benefit the Autistic community. Currently, we’re focused on changing April 2026 from “Autism Acceptance Month” to “Autistic Advocacy Month.”

We don’t provide clinical services, therapy, or individual case management. Instead, we create educational resources, build community connections, and advocate for systemic change. We can help connect you with community resources and support your self-advocacy journey.

Yes! We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our values and commitment to neurodivergent-led approaches. Whether you’re a school, healthcare system, employer, or community group, we’re interested in collaborations that benefit our community.

We value different perspectives and healthy debate within our community. We’re partnership-focused and believe in respectful dialogue. Reach out to us directly – we’re always open to feedback and learning from our community members.

Welcome! Whether you’re newly diagnosed, recently learned about neurodivergence, or just starting to explore your identity – there’s no “right” way to be part of our community. Start wherever feels comfortable: attend a Brainbow Media event, browse our resources, or just follow our social media. We’re here to support your journey at your own pace.

Yes! While we’re neurodivergent-led, we recognize that supportive families and allies are crucial to our community’s well-being. We offer educational content and guidance on how to be authentic allies, support ND family members, and advocate alongside us rather than for us.

Accessibility is a core value, not an afterthought. Our events include closed captions, sensory considerations, multiple participation options, and flexible formats. If you need specific accommodations or have accessibility feedback, please let us know – we’re always working to improve.

Intersectionality is a framework coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a Black woman, specifically to center Black women’s experiences and understand how multiple systems of oppression interact. We use this term with deep respect for its origins and purpose.

For us, being intersectional means we recognize that neurodivergent people have multiple identities – race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, disability, and more – and we understand how these identities interact with different systems of oppression. True intersectionality must center Black women’s experiences and the experiences of other multiply marginalized people, or it’s not intersectionality at all.

We’re committed to centering voices that are often overlooked in neurodivergent spaces, especially Black ND people, other BIPOC ND people, LGBTQ+ ND people, and those facing economic hardship. We believe that liberation for the most marginalized in our community means liberation for all of us.

We welcome professionals who want to provide better, more affirming support. Attend our educational events, follow neurodivergent-led research and advocacy, and most importantly – listen to our community’s actual experiences rather than making assumptions. We can also discuss professional development partnerships.

Follow us on social media (@UmbrellaOpensDoors), sign up for our newsletter, or check our website for upcoming Brainbow Media events. We share community updates, new resources, and opportunities to get involved regularly.

Contact Information:

  • Website: UmbrellaOpensDoors.Org

  • Phone: 1+ 316-247-1099

  • Email: info@UmbrellaOpensDoors.Org

  • Social Media: @UmbrellaOpensDoors on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok

  • Bluesky: @UmbrellaOpensDoors.Org

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