21/03/2024
Reflecting on the ‘Celebrating Neurodiversity’ event in Poole this week, part of the , I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. The aim was to raise awareness of neurodiversity in Dorset, and this event marked the beginning of that journey.
The turnout was excellent, and the enthusiasm from the audience was palpable. It’s clear that Dorset’s neurodivergent community is eager to see local organisations demonstrate a better understanding of, and a willingness to actively include, its neurodivergent members.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the speakers who shared their insights with our engaged audience.
I am also extremely grateful to NATTC Ltd who stepped in and offered to financially sponsor the event. Your support was very appreciated and a testament to the importance of what the event was trying to do.
NATTC Ltd helps organisations support neurodiverse or disabled staff by providing workplace needs assessments, Access to Work support, assistive technology, training, coaching, and neurodiversity awareness.
Here’s to a future where we continue to celebrate and embrace neurodiversity in all its forms.
Many thanks again to the speakers:
James Dixon-Box from Marsham Court Hotel, one of only five organisations in Dorset recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, is actively championing diversity and inclusion to address the skills gap and talent shortages.
Dr. Max Lowenstein, Principal Academic in Law at BU and Chairman and Trustee for the Charity in Neurodiversity, is proudly neurodivergent. He expertly explained the employment laws that support us in navigating our neurodiversity.
Kirsty Heap, a workplace coach, trainer & speaker, who is also proudly neurodivergent, provided our audience with informative and invaluable advice regarding the Government’s ‘Access to Work’ support, which is available for both employed and self-employed individuals.
Ursula Boardman, Head of Centre at The Crumbs Project and another proud neurodivergent individual, openly shared her compelling life story from education through to employment. Her story resonated with many in the neurodivergent audience, including myself. The Crumbs Project is another of Dorset’s five Disability Confident Leader organisations.
Martin Pardey, Director of Hays Technology and D, E and I & Wellbeing Regional Lead, discussed Hays’ initiatives to promote neurodiversity awareness and their commitment to encouraging clients to consider more diverse talent pools.
