Theory of Change
The Future of Normal is a feature documentary and national impact campaign that seeks to deepen understanding of neurodiversity and turn that understanding into action, mobilizing individuals, communities, and policymakers to build neuroinclusive environments that support people across the lifespan and in every sector of society.
Centered on the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals and families and grounded in current neuroscience, the documentary challenges assumptions about the nature of human intelligence, who gets to decide what’s normal, and what it means to belong. Filming vérité-style, we follow participants through their struggles and accomplishments as they work to change the systems that have stigmatized them. Experts in neuroscience, medicine, philosophy, education, and advocacy share visionary ideas and innovations for a future that embraces the full spectrum of cognitive variability.
“Education is preparation for adult life. Or it should be preparation for adult life. The real world does not look like a self-contained classroom.”
PRIYA LALVANI. Professor. Disability Studies and Inclusive Education, Montclair State University.
The impact campaign brings these experiences and insights directly into the settings where change happens. Film participants and their families, the filmmakers, and leaders from partner organizations will share their personal stories and professional expertise with schools and colleges, workplaces, justice settings, medical practitioners, and community organizations.
Companion video modules and sector-specific toolkits will provide clear opportunities to act that sustain engagement and reinforce impact. Our success will be measured by tracking how audiences and leaders apply what they learn from the film, speaker events, and toolkits to better recognize and respond to neurodivergent people’s needs in policies, practices, and everyday interactions.
“Just as you would aspire for universal design for learning and universal design for architecture, why not universal design for health care?”
MEL HOUSER, Physician and Founder,
All Brains Belong in Montpelier, Vermont,
Environments designed for different minds work better for everyone, enabling people to participate fully, get the support they need, and help shape the decisions that affect their lives. Our ultimate goal is greater access, agency, and belonging for all.
Everyone has a neurodiversity story. What’s yours?