Monday, 21 – Sunday, 27 March 2022 marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week across the UK. The week is a worldwide initiative that aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by recognising the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
Through the week, we aim to raise awareness, acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity in our University community and celebrate and support our many students and staff who are neurodivergent. You’ll have the chance to learn more about the lived experiences of members of our community, how we can be more accessible and the advice and support available. Check out some of what’s happening below.
What’s neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity means the full range of human neurology: neurological differences, for example those labelled dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD, autism and Tourette’s syndrome, should be recognised and respected just like any other human variation.
Events, activities and training
Talks and discussions:
1. Growing up with ADHD, Monday 21 March 1-2pm
Speaker: Andrew Whitehouse (https://andrewwhitehouse.co.uk)
TEDx Speaker and Bamford Lecturer Andrew Whitehouse will be talking about neurodiversity and his own experience of being diagnosed with ADHD.
2. Tourette’s: Increasing awareness to improve individual quality of life, Wednesday 23 March 2-3pm
Speaker: Dr Antonella Macerollo
3. Me, My Dyslexia and My journey through academia, Thursday 24 March 11am-12pm
Speaker: Dr Jenna Kenyani
4. Autistic in Academia: Lecturer, researcher and student lived experiences, Friday 25 March 1-2pm
A Lecturer, Post-Doc and Student will talk openly and honestly about their lived experiences of being Autistic and working in academia.
Training:
1. Support and Adjustments for Neurodivergent Staff and Students, Tuesday 22 March 10-11am
Find out about support, resources and adjustments that may be available to help Neurodivergent staff and students at the University.
2. RecruitAbility for Neurodiverse Applicants, Wednesday 23 March 10am
Further information
You can view all events and activities taking place on our Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2022 webpage. More information about Neurodiversity Celebration Week can also be found here: https://www.neurodiversity-celebration-week.com/
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening on campus and nationally throughout the week on Twitter @NCWeek and by using hashtags #UoLNeurodiversityWeek #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodiversityWeek