This year neurodiversity week takes place from 13 – 19 March.

It has been set up to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and instead recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodiverse.

What is Neurodiversity?

When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.

Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently.

Approximately 15-20% of population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, it is about taking a balanced view of a person’s unique strengths and challenges. Many ‘challenges’ neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.

So what can you do to get involved?

• Click here to find out more information about neurodiversity. There's a range of resources available to use within your team, or webinars that are taking place throughout the week
• Talk about neurodiversity during your team meetings
• Share your story - we want to hear about your strengths and talents and any challenges that you may face

What are we doing at Persona?

As you are aware we have recently reviewed our approach to recruitment and as part of this we sought input from people who are neurodiverse to ensure we were not inadvertently creating any barriers to people applying and being successful in a role.  From this feedback we have introduced:

• The opportunity for all candidates to view interview questions prior to their interview
• The opportunity to submit an expression of interest for a role in a persons preferred format – written, video or visually for example
• Providing more details in 'invite to interview' letters so that candidates are more aware of what to expect on the day of their interview

We also have Recite Me which is tool that can be used to tailor a person's view of the website to ensure it is more accessible. We also take this approach with other aspects of our communications both internally and externally and we are always looking for ways to improve. Have you got a suggestion for making our website, social media, emails or texts even more accessible? Please let us know at info@personasupport.org

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