The world as it stands isn’t inclusive for neurodivergents. We’re invisible in housing, in tech, in culture. Blaq Gurl Fya is creating a new ecosystem that combines neuroscience, lived experience, and art. She is a creative being, and grad school is where she will refine this into the next blueprint for inclusion. Let the worlds of tech, art, and urban development know that authenticity matters, not cookie-cutter images. Sign the petition and help make this vision a reality.

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence refers to natural brain differences, like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Neurotypical is the term for people who don’t have these differences. The term “neurodivergent” became widely used in the 1990s as part of a movement to show that brain differences are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. We’re not broken; we’re just different.

The Problem in Chicago

Chicago’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) calls it a “world-class accessible city”:

MOPD Facts & Figures – Chicago
MOPD Official Page

But this vision is rooted in physical access. Neurodivergent people are invisible in that branding. National resources like FordHarrison clearly define neurodivergence and the need for inclusive policies. Chicago, however, doesn’t have a clear estimate of how many neurodivergents live here. It’s time for that to change.

Proven Advocacy

Blaq Gurl Fya’s founder testified to support CESSA the Stephon Watts Act which reduces police involvement in mental health crises.

She was also recognized publicly for her efforts:

Honorable Mention Facebook Post (sign into Facebook to view post)

Supporting resources:

Disability Resource Guide Book
Access Living – CESSA Signed Press Release

Blaq Gurl Fya is also fighting to bring neurodivergent people into the conversation around housing justice, especially with Access Living’s housing lawsuit:

2018 Filing
2019 Update: Lawsuit Can Proceed
2024 Community Update
Relman Colfax Case Page
WTTW Coverage of City’s $4M Defense Spending

The Leadership Gap

Neurodivergent Black women are almost entirely absent in leadership positions in tech, urban development, or policy.

Examples:

Essence – The Color of Pain Documentary
IDA Project Page – The Color of Pain
Essence – Disabled Black Women in the Workplace
Microsoft Diversity & Inclusion Report (no neurodiversity data)

Blaq Gurl Fya is stepping up to fill this gap:

Blaq Gurl Fya × Aspiritech Partnership (LinkedIn)
 
Urban Development in Chicago

Chicago is undergoing massive urban redevelopment.

Active projects shaping communities include:

Julia C. Lathrop Homes Restoration — ENR feature • Landmarks Illinois
Rebuild Foundation restorations — Stony Island Arts Bank • Artsy restoration story • HUD case study – Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative
Obama Presidential Center
CTA Red Line Extension Project

These represent billions of dollars in investment. But it raises an urgent question: How many neurodivergents are actually at the decision-making table for these transformative projects?

The South Side Weekly investigation, “Policing the Vulnerable” (August 28, 2025), highlights systemic barriers in crisis response that keep neurodivergents living unfulfilled and unsafe lives.

This moment is a grand opportunity for Blaq Gurl Fya’s technology development to help reshape urban planning with neurodivergent justice at the center.

A Digital Movement

We document exclusion and resilience through:

#NeurodivergentsDeserveHousing Campaign Video
YouTube Playlist on CESSA Failures and Unlawful Guardianship

These stories show what happens when laws like CESSA are not fully implemented. Even the founder who helped it pass, was nearly institutionalized without proper protections.

 Our Goal

Blaq Gurl Fya’s founder turned 21 years lived experience into a deep body of work:

10 years of research
Film featured at Carnegie Hall: Exhibition Article • Google Arts & Culture Story
Film: Welcome to Our Healing Sanctuary
Research taught at Pepperdine University
Graduate studies at SAIC

Her lived experience is expertise, and it must be honored the same way clinical knowledge is.

Proven Models to Build On:

Housing First
Individual Placement & Support (IPS)
Sensory Friendly Housing
 
Sign and Share

The world as it stands isn’t inclusive for neurodivergents. We’re invisible in housing, in tech, in culture. Blaq Gurl Fya is creating a new ecosystem that combines neuroscience, lived experience, and art. She is a creative being, and grad school is where she will refine this into the next blueprint for inclusion. Let the worlds of tech, art, and urban development know that authenticity matters, not cookie-cutter images. Sign the petition and help make this vision a reality.