Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Thinking Differently & Supporting Unique Talents | Dods Diverse Workforce Series

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Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Thinking Differently & Supporting Unique Talents

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Thinking Differently & Supporting Unique Talents

10th September 2020, Online | 14th January 2021, London

Since the late 1990s, forms of neurodivergence such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia have been increasingly understood as natural manifestations of human diversity rather than medical issues requiring ‘cure’ or treatment. Neurodiversity is also now recognised as presenting unique competitive advantages in the workplace; the inclusion of neurodivergent staff makes plurality of thought a reality. Other talents associated with neurodivergence include an exceptional ability to spot patterns, increased creativity and innovation, and problem-solving skills, amongst others.

Operating in a world which was not designed for you can present significant challenges, however, and neurodivergent staff and jobseekers are often disadvantaged by the traditional systems which organisations have in place.  As a result, organisations miss out on valuable talent and a large demographic are denied opportunity. Greater understanding of neurodiversity, alongside adaptations to recruitment and management processes, are straightforward ways in which neurodivergent staff can be fully included in the workplace and enabled to contribute their best work.

At ‘Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Thinking Differently & Supporting Unique Talents', HR professionals and line managers will receive expert insight into different forms of neurodiversity and the unique attributes associated with each. Through workshops, case studies, and personal perspectives, delegates will be provided with the knowledge and understanding needed to recruit and support neurodivergent staff, and to create a neurodiverse workplace that enables both staff and business to thrive.  

 

Key Speakers: 

  • Casandra Marrero, Modern Comms Product Marketing Manager and Accessibility Champion, Microsoft
  • Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within
  • Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust
  • Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate
  • Kirsty Cook, Lead Job Coach, Auticon
  • Matt Boyd, Founder, Exceptional Individuals
  • Oliver Fenghour, Founding Director, Advance: The Disability Consultants
  • Adam Corre, Dyspraxia Advocate

 

Why attend? 

  • Learn how to recruit, manage and support neurodivergent staff, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to progress and flourish within your organisation
  • Bring new, innovative ideas on increasing neurodiversity in your workplace back to your organisation, with the insight needed to put them into practice 
  • Hear from leading figures about how to educate staff and foster understanding of neurodiversity within your organisation
  • Earn a CPD certificate for your personal progression
  • Enjoy an opportunity to network with top speakers and your peers

 

Who should attend? 

Anyone with an interest in creating an inclusive workplace, including: employers; HR managers/officers; wellbeing officers; senior managers; consultants; trade unions, staff network leads and representative groups.

 

Dates and Locations

Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace | Online | 10th September 2020

 Register now

Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace | London | 14th January 2021

 Register now

 

For registration queries please contact:

Ivana Picone

conference.admin@dodsgroup.com

Agenda

  • Neurodiversity | Online 2020

9:00

Welcoming session

Grace McLoughlin, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Dods PLC 

9:05

Chair's introduction

Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate

9:20

The Neurodiversity Paradigm: neurodiversity as workplace asset rather than obstacle

  • Understanding neurodiversity as an innate way of thinking rather than a medical issue
  • Examining different types of neurodivergence
  • Increasing innovation and plurality of thought: the competitive advantage of neurodiversity at work

Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust

10:00

The Social Model: developing neurodiversity-friendly workplace policy and practice

  • Using the Social Model as a guide when making adjustments and educating staff
  • Understanding legal obligations and responsibilities for employers
  • Examples of helpful reasonable adjustments

Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within

10:30

Comfort Break

10.50

Employer case studies: attracting and recruiting neurodiverse talent

  • Adapting role descriptions to attract and include neurodivergent candidates
  • Providing opportunities for disclosure during the recruitment process
  • Interview best practice and considering alternative assessments
  • Ensuring applicant filtering and progression methods do not disadvantage neurodivergent candidates

Kirsty Cook, Lead Job Coach, Auticon

Matt Boyd, Founder, Exceptional Individuals

11:50

Workshop: Managing a neurodiverse fair progression

  • Providing feedback and communicating clearly with neurodivergent staff
  • Creating structures for support and prioritising wellbeing
  • Training and educating managers to support neurodiversity in their teams
  • ​Managing and supporting neurodivegent staff working remotely

Oliver Fenghour, Founding Director, Advance: The Disability Consultants

12:40

Break for Lunch

13:40

Personal insight: workplace experiences from a neurodivergent point of view

Adam Corre, Dyspraxia Advocate

14:00

Neurodivergence & individuality: increasing understanding and shifting perspectives

  • Re-examining the language around neurodiversity
  • Moving away from generalisation, towards a nuanced understanding of neurodivergence and individuality
  • Valuing each staff member for their unique traits and contributions
  • Building neurodiverse teams which play to each member’s strengths

Casandra Marrero, Modern Comms Product Marketing Manager and Accessibility Champion, Microsoft

14.45

Chair's closing remarks

Adrian Edwards, Autism Advocate

15.00

Event Close

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Contact

For conference agenda and other event-related enquiries please contact:

Olivia Bishop
olivia.bishop@dodsgroup.com

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