Aisling Smith NeuroEmpowerment’s Post

What’s the business case for neurodiversity & disability inclusion? In my sector, I can occasionally switch off and assume everyone understands the basic benefits of inclusion. Until I meet someone who doesn’t 😬 I was chatting with a senior leader who dismissed neurodiversity and disability inclusion in their sector as essentially a waste of time and money. 💡 My response: How many neurodivergent or disabled staff do you employee? They didn’t know. They didn’t think any: “well there’s nobody in a wheelchair” 🤔 Wow. So where do you start with this conversation - get frustrated & annoyed? 😡 Or sympathise, appreciating that they don’t know what you do? 😃 Do you lead with data, or with stories that showcase the human impact? 🖥 This is where I started: Money 💵 money 💵 money 💵! 😂 Don’t judge me! I see businesses thrive when they embrace neurodiversity and disability inclusion. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s a powerful business decision. Here’s why: 💡 Enhanced Innovation: Different minds solve problems in unique ways. People with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia can unlock creative solutions others miss 💵 💡 Improved Engagement: Inclusive environments boost job satisfaction and retention, reducing recruitment costs 💵 💡 Competitive Edge: A diverse workforce that reflects your customer base is better at meeting varied needs 💵 How would you educate someone who doesn’t see the value yet? Let’s broaden the conversation and make inclusion a priority for everyone. #DiversityAndInclusion #Neurodiversity #DisabilityInclusion #BusinessGrowth #AimForward

Living with a chronic illness(es) is more than just a physical battle; it’s a daily challenge that impacts every aspect of life, often in ways that others can't see. These invisible struggles—like managing pain, fatigue, or mental health—are part of what makes chronic illness so complex and, at times, isolating. That’s why disability inclusion needs to be more than just an add-on in DEI&B—ultimately a vital component. For too long, disability has been left out of the conversation when it comes to workplace diversity and inclusion. But true equity and belonging can only be achieved when all voices are heard and all needs are met, including those of people living with chronic illness/autoimmune disease and invisible disabilities. Disability inclusion means recognizing that chronic illness/invisible disabilities are a significant part of the human experience and that those of us who live with these conditions deserve the same opportunities, respect, and support as everyone else. It’s about creating environments where accommodations are readily available, stigma is challenged, and understanding is built into the fabric of the workplace culture. When we talk about DEI&B, we must include disability as a core element. This means not only acknowledging the visible aspects of disability but also the invisible ones. It’s about advocating for flexible work arrangements, accessible digital tools, and a culture that values empathy and inclusion. By including disability in DEI&B initiatives, we can ensure that everyone—regardless of their health—feels seen, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDiseases #InvisibleIllness #NeuroInclusion #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #LearningDisabled #DisabilityInclusion #DEIB #Accessibility #InvisibleDisabilities #EmpathyInTheWorkplace #InclusionMatters

Disability in itself is not a barrier to participation, success, or a fulfilling life. What truly holds people back is discrimination and the societal obstacles that result from it. These obstacles can manifest as physical barriers, such as inaccessible buildings and transportation, as well as attitudinal barriers, like prejudice and misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. When society embraces inclusivity and accessibility, individuals with disabilities can thrive, contribute, and fully participate in all aspects of life. This means ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and social activities. It also involves promoting understanding, respect, and acceptance of diverse abilities. By breaking down these barriers of discrimination and fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a world where disability is seen not as a limitation, but as a natural part of the human experience. Everyone deserves the chance to reach their potential, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind due to discrimination. #disability #disabilityawareness #disabled #wheelchair #inclusion #autism #chronicillness #wheelchairlife #specialneeds #accessibility #love #chronicpain #invisibleillness #spoonie #autismawareness #disabilityadvocate #mentalhealth #cerebralpalsy #disabilityrights #disabilityinclusion #spinalcordinjury #downsyndrome #disabilities #disabilitypride #abilitynotdisability #disabilitylife #handicap #diversity #amputee #asd

Disability in itself is not a barrier to participation, success, or a fulfilling life. What truly holds people back is discrimination and the societal obstacles that result from it. These obstacles can manifest as physical barriers, such as inaccessible buildings and transportation, as well as attitudinal barriers, like prejudice and misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. When society embraces inclusivity and accessibility, individuals with disabilities can thrive, contribute, and fully participate in all aspects of life. This means ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and social activities. It also involves promoting understanding, respect, and acceptance of diverse abilities. By breaking down these barriers of discrimination and fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a world where disability is seen not as a limitation, but as a natural part of the human experience. Everyone deserves the chance to reach their potential, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind due to discrimination. #disability #disabilityawareness #disabled #wheelchair #inclusion #autism #chronicillness #wheelchairlife #specialneeds #accessibility #love #chronicpain #invisibleillness #spoonie #autismawareness #disabilityadvocate #mentalhealth #cerebralpalsy #disabilityrights #disabilityinclusion #spinalcordinjury #downsyndrome #disabilities #disabilitypride #abilitynotdisability #disabilitylife #handicap #diversity #amputee #asd

Lighting Up the Office in Purple for Inclusion and Awareness! 💜 This week, we are proud to join the global #PurpleLightUp movement, shining a purple light in our offices to celebrate the invaluable contributions of employees with disabilities and to promote inclusion in every aspect of our workplace. This campaign isn’t just about visible disabilities; it’s also about recognizing and valuing those with invisible conditions, including neurodivergence. While neurodivergence—such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia—is still not universally accepted or fully understood, we believe in fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to thrive. Disability inclusion is about more than removing barriers. It’s about creating a culture that embraces difference as strength, sparks innovation, and amplifies the voices of those who see the world differently. By lighting up our space in purple, we’re sending a message: inclusion matters, visibility matters, and every perspective has a place in our story. How is your workplace supporting #DisabilityInclusion and breaking down barriers for all? Let’s inspire each other to take meaningful action. #PurpleLightUp #PositivelyPurple #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion

Today, December 3rd, 2024, on the International Day of People with Disability, we celebrate the daily resilience and courage of those facing barriers. According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older—approximately 8 million people—are living with disabilities that affect their daily activities. This represents a 5% increase since 2017, highlighting the growing need for inclusive spaces and support systems. At HRPURPOSE, we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We work tirelessly to provide mental health support, training, employment opportunities, and inclusive spaces, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their challenges, has the chance to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to the same opportunities to thrive. #InternationalDayofPeoplewithDisability #Inclusion #Accessibility #MentalHealth #EmploymentOpportunities #InclusiveSpaces #HRPurpose

💬 The impact of disability on mental health is profound. ONS data reveals concerning statistics that show the challenges disabled individuals face in mental well-being compared to non-disabled individuals:   📉 Lower life satisfaction: Disabled people report significantly lower levels of happiness, a sense of purpose, and overall life satisfaction.   😟 Higher anxiety: On average, anxiety levels are nearly double among disabled people, rated 4.27 out of 10 vs. 2.66 for non-disabled individuals.   💔 Severe loneliness: A striking 13.3% of disabled individuals report feeling lonely “often or always”—nearly 4x the rate for non-disabled people, especially among young adults (16-24 years).   💭 Worsened well-being: People with severe disabilities or mental impairments experience the lowest well-being ratings overall.   These findings underscore the need for greater awareness, support, and action to address these disparities and enhance well-being for the disabled community.   We’re excited to announce that we now offer courses on Disability Awareness, Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.   These courses are designed to enhance understanding, promote inclusivity, and support those working with diverse communities. 🌍💡   💬 Want more details? Contact us directly to learn how you can join! #Disability #Loneliness #Inclusion #DiversityAndInclusion  #SocialImpact

The world of work is changing, more rapidly than ever. Thanks to the shifts in technology, generations, and overall social culture. Where does disability, and specifically vision impairment fit into this altering business landscape? What are the various innovative solutions and assistive technologies available to enable persons with blindness and their seamless interaction at work? Join Dr. Shalini Lal as she speaks with Madhu Bala Sharma to gather insights into the 'Future of Work: Possibilities of Including Individuals with Low Vision and Blindness in Corporate Workspaces ' on May 3 in the third live discussion of a four-part series focused on disability inclusion. Date: May 3 Time: 12 pm Where: https://lnkd.in/gXamXwfi #FutureOfWork #Leadership #DisabilityInclusion #TransformingDisabilityInclusion #InclusiveWorkplaces #Accessibility #InclusiveHiring #BestPractices #Blindness #VisionImpairment #Disability #BustingMyths #AssistiveTechnology #ReasonableAccommodations Unqbe Sandeep Bidani Ph.D Richa Bansal Shruti Pushkarna Arjun Vishwanathan Yamini P Kapoor Anureet Kochhar 

It is important for the companies consider to create safety spaces with the correct acommodations for People with Disabilities & Neurodiverse.