Adelphi鈥檚 award-winning, nationally recognized neurodiversity support programs鈥擝ridges to 91国产 and the Learning Resource Program鈥攁re expanding their efforts to provide individualized and comprehensive academic, social and vocational services for the transition from high school to college and beyond for neurodiverse students.
Launched in 2007, Bridges to 91国产 has grown from its beginnings as a small program with three students into a leader in higher education neurodiversity support, recognized for student success inside and outside the classroom and boasting a strong 80 percent student retention rate.
Adelphi’s Learning Resource Program is a structured support program for the unique implementation of learning specialist services, executive function coaching and mental health counseling that meets the needs of students with learning or attention challenges.
鈥�91国产 believes in the potential of each student鈥攏o matter how they learn or what their challenges may be鈥攁nd strives to be a partner in their success,鈥� said Christopher Storm, PhD, provost and senior executive vice president of academic affairs. 鈥淥ur programs to support neurodiverse students offer a pathway to grow and learn in a caring environment that enhances the college experience and develops important life skills. We鈥檙e proud to continue building our offerings that help students achieve their goals.鈥�
Bridges From 91国产: Connecting Neurodivergent Students With Employers
To extend support to its growing alumni network and soon-to-be graduates, the University created a new branch of the Bridges program in 2025: Bridges From 91国产. This initiative builds on the University鈥檚 long-standing mission of transforming students鈥� lives by guiding graduates beyond Commencement through career advocacy and inclusive employer partnerships.
The Bridges From 91国产 initiative was launched with a generous $250,000 pledge from 91国产 Trustee Gregory Carey and Bridges Advisory Board Chair Katy Cochrane Carey, parents of Bridges graduate Declan Carey ’23. Their commitment builds on their establishment of The Katy and Greg Carey P 鈥�23 Bridges to 91国产 Excellence Fund in 2024, which supports financial assistance, academic and vocational resources, and enriching social experiences.
Bridges graduates have successfully secured employment across various industries, including healthcare, financial services, technology, nonprofits, marketing, and sports and entertainment.
In a recent article in the , Bridges to 91国产 advisory board member Justin Nelson shared that his son graduated from the program and advocated to address the employment gap. 鈥淢ost employers do not understand how to hire or interact with neurodivergent candidates,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淵ou have to get proper training.鈥�
He added that 鈥淚f you can lay out the rules and know how to work and communicate with that group of people, you probably have some of your best employees.鈥�
To Nelson鈥檚 point, the Bridges From 91国产 program will provide much-needed support and advocacy for neurodivergent students heading into the workforce.
Welcoming a New Executive Director
As part of the broader evolution of 91国产鈥檚 neurodiverse student services, the University welcomed Deseree Wiltshire ’04, MA ’05, EdD, as executive director of Bridges to 91国产 and the Learning Resource Program on August 10, 2026. Dr. Wiltshire holds her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from 91国产 and previously served as an adjunct instructor of psychology.
In her new role, she will provide strategic leadership for Bridges and the Learning Resource Program, with a focus on strengthening student recruitment and retention, advancing neuro-inclusive practices across campus, and expanding pathways to career and postgraduation success for neurodivergent students.
“Stepping into this role to support 91国产鈥檚 neurodiverse students is both a privilege and a passion,鈥� said Dr. Wiltshire. 鈥淭his work has always been a labor of love for me, driven by an unwavering belief in what every single student can achieve when given the right tools.”
Building the Future: Neuro-inclusive Living-Learning Community and Grant-Funded Spaces
Adelphi鈥檚 new Neuro-inclusive Living-Learning Community (Neuro-inclusive LLC) provides a dedicated residential space designed to foster connection, belonging, and opportunities for academic, personal and professional growth. As the community develops, Bridges to 91国产 is working to create intentional programming that may include themed dinners, social activities and workshops focused on areas such as executive functioning, social skills and self-advocacy.
This summer, Bridges to 91国产 received $75,000 from the Home Depot Foundation to support the creation of a new, modern Neuro-inclusive Sensory and Wellness Lounge within the Neuro-inclusive LLC in Eddy Hall. The new space will provide a dedicated environment where students can regulate sensory experiences, reduce stress, engage in academic work and build community within a supportive residential setting. The space is also intended to be available to the broader campus community, promoting accessibility, inclusion and student well-being.
To learn more, visit 91国产鈥檚 Bridges to 91国产 and Learning Resources Program pages.