The Equality and Diversity and Inclusion Team and Neurodivergent Staff Group invite staff and PGRs who identify as neurodivergent to join a Safe Listening Space.
The term neurodivergent describes individuals who experience the world differently and can include people who identify as having ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Tourette’s syndrome. It is important to recognise that being neurodivergent gives people strengths, but it can also bring challenges.
Safe Listening Spaces provide an opportunity for confidential discussion free from discrimination.
- There is no fixed agenda for this session.
- After an introduction attendees will be welcomed to share their lived experience of neurodivergence.
- This is a non-recorded session run via Microsoft Teams. Key themes from the session will be used to help us work towards being a more inclusive University community.
We understand that neurodivergent people will be at different stages of their personal journey with diagnosis and waiting times for assessment can be long. We want to welcome people at all stages of this journey and therefore attendees do not need a formal diagnosis to attend this session. All staff and PGRs who identify as neurodivergent are welcome.
The Safe Listening Space will be held on Monday 18 September between 11.00 and 12.00. The session will be facilitated by
Libby Barton, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Chair of the Staff Disability Network
&
Judith Rickard-Taylor, Neurodivergent Staff sub-group Lead.
Safe Listening Spaces provide space for discussion rather than the sharing of professional or expert knowledge. If you would like to learn more about neurodiversity you can access our new 15 minute neurodiversity learning resource. This online module will:
- Build your awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.
- Outline practical steps to help you create a workplace where everyone has the chance to work to their strengths and succeed in their role.
To learn more about the lived experience of neurodivergent colleagues please visit the UoS Disability Staff Network Shared Experiences page.
The Neurodivergent Staff Group is a sub-group of the UoS Disability Staff Network. All staff and PGRs who identify as disabled, differently abled or neurodivergent are welcome to join the wider network and/or the sub-group regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis. If you would like to join the group, please email ‘Please can I join the neurodivergent sub group’ to [email protected].
We look forward to listening to you.