The event is taking place from today (Monday 17th March) until Sunday 23rd March.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week was founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon who wants to break the stereotypes associated with neurodivergent individuals. The awareness week has since become a worldwide initiative.
‘I founded Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2018 because I wanted to change the way learning differences are perceived,’ Siena said. ‘As a teenager who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, my experience has been that people often focus on the challenges of neurological diversity. I wanted to change the narrative and create a balanced view which focuses equally on our talents and strengths.’
Every year the event grows in popularity, and last year saw hundreds of universities, schools, charities, councils and other organisations pledge their support. This year, however, the team are hoping for an even bigger reaction.
Throughout this week, the not-for-profit are hosting 24 free webinars which will see over 50 neurodivergent individuals talk about their experiences. Details about how to register for them can be found here.
Additionally, organisations who are looking to showcase their support can also download media packs from their website.
An example of just how incredible neurodivergent individuals are can be seen through a story shared by Oxfordshire County Council. Jenny Taylor is a 36-year-old from Drayton who overcame an array of challenges, including being bullied and struggling to find full-time employment, following her Asperger’s diagnosis.
After leaving secondary school Jenny worked for her family’s MOT service business as a bookkeeper and a garage assistant where she said ‘No two days were the same at the garage. The business was going for 52 years before my dad and uncle retired and I lost my job. In the same year, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a really difficult time for me.’
Though supremely difficult, Jenny, through resilience and determination, was able to support her mother through recovery and secure another full-time job. She now works for Oxfordshire County Council’s in-house print company, County Print Finishers.
‘I have quite a lot of responsibility here. I look after a production line that does things like the relabelling of goods, making them ready to sell in shops. I make sure there aren’t any mistakes and keep the production line flowing. My aim is to one day be supervisor,’ Jenny continued.
Cllr Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care added: ‘Jenny’s story [is] truly inspiring. She has overcome a number of barriers to find and maintain full-time work and while Oxfordshire Employment has given her outstanding support, it’s Jenny’s hard work and aspirational attitude that’s really led to her success.
‘She is a wonderful example of how people from a range of backgrounds, with unique skills and dedication, can bring value and diversity to Oxfordshire’s workforce.’
In the UK, it is estimated that one in seven people are neurodivergent. By supporting or even just simply familiarising yourself with this year’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week, you could help break the unnecessary, negative barriers they repeatedly face.
Photo by Hiki App via UnSplash
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