Janet Smith-Harrison ACIPD’s Post

I rarely post on LinkedIn but I think Neurodiversty Celebration Week is something that I cannot pass by without mentioning. My nan used to tell me 'If we were all the same the world would be a very dull place" and it's something I've always thought about through various stages of my life/ my career. When we think of Diversity we often think about differences we can see or hear. Neurodiversty is understanding the range of differences in the way a brain develops and behaves against what we call a neurotypical person [someone who has the brain functions, behaviors, and processing considered standard or typical]. Whilst I hate the word normal, in that sense, it's important we understand people's differences and how we can best support people grow and develop based on how their brain works. We don't make people work without their reading glasses as that is statistically the 'norm' so let's make sure we educate ourselves and have the right tools for everyone to succeed. If any Gallagher employees are interested in getting involved in one of the many Inclusion and Diversity workgroups across our Gallagher network, please fell free to drop me a message.

What is neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is often misunderstood, which is why we are right behind Neurodiversity Celebration Week because it challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Keep an eye on our socials this week to see how our schools will be celebrating #NDW2024. 🤩 #BigASK #Neurodiversity #CelebratingDifferentBrains

Benefits of attending Minding Autistic Minds Conference April 2024 Community Connection: Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse community of individuals who embrace and celebrate neurodiversity. By engaging with Autistic individuals, caregivers, advocates, and allies, attendees can foster a sense of belonging and acceptance within a supportive community that values the unique strengths and perspectives of all individuals.   Personal Growth and Reflection: The conference offers a space for attendees to reflect on their own beliefs, attitudes, and practices related to Autism and neurodiversity. Through thought-provoking presentations, workshops, and discussions, participants can gain insights into their own biases and assumptions, challenge societal norms, and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for neurodivergent experiences.   Empowerment and Advocacy: Attendees will be empowered to become advocates for neurodiversity and inclusive practices in their personal and professional lives. By learning about the challenges faced by Autistic individuals and the importance of promoting acceptance and accommodation, attendees can become agents of change within their communities, workplaces, and educational settings, advocating for policies and practices that respect and celebrate neurodiversity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRpqjEtV

Ever since I changed ships from the corporate ladder to the startup rollercoaster, I've pondered the balance between creativity and traditional work structures, especially in strategy work, (IT) projects and consulting. For many like myself, particularly those of us with neurodivergent minds (ADD, ADHD, autism, and other cognitive diversities), I’ve noticed the 9-5 model can limit creativity when seeking innovative solutions. Don’t get me wrong, these structures work for some people, but for others, they may lead to stress, loss of creativity, and, in worst-case scenarios, burnout. I have felt that the art of problem-solving can be like painting on a canvas. Sometimes you paint alone, and sometimes in a group where every mind is a brush of its own. This is especially true when you are looking for those unique, out-of-the-box ideas that businesses and organizations need. With neurodivergent minds brainstorming, you can create a masterpiece. This is why we created Crazee, a strategic consultancy made up of neurodivergent people to solve problems in a new way that challenges conventional thinking. We optimize how our brainpower works simultaneously on a large scale. Crazee is also a community for professionals who share our mindset and seek fulfillment in their work while getting that needed dopamine boost. I feel that this approach not only creates a positive impact on businesses globally but also makes the world more inclusive and sustainable as the number of ND individuals rises. The age of neurodivergence being stigmatized is coming to an end. We are entering an era where neurodivergent approaches are the Swiss Army knives of problem-solving. So if you want to keep seeing what we are cooking in the future you can follow us @ Crazee You can also check our "origin story" by Ramón Crespí down below #Neurodiversity #Creativity #Consulting

Heard of Neurodiversity but feel you'd like to learn more? This webinar is an amazing place to start and its completely free! #NeurodiversityCelbrationWeek #TheOwlCentre

🌟 March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! 🌟 💚 At Silicon Practice, we're committed to fostering inclusivity and understanding. This month, let's join hands to raise awareness about Cerebral Palsy, a condition affecting movement and posture. 🧡 Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders that impact muscle coordination and body movement. By spreading awareness, we contribute to a more informed and supportive community. 🌐 Let's use this month to educate ourselves and others, breaking down stereotypes and embracing diversity 🤝 ✅ How can you make a difference? Share information, stories and resources using the hashtags #GoGreen4CP and #CPAwarenessMonth to amplify the message. Together, we can build a world that understands and supports everyone. #InclusivityMatters #CPAwareness #EmpowerThroughAwareness 💚

This week is worldwide ‘Neurodiversity Celebration Week’. The theme 2024 is "Empowering Neurodiverse Voices - Building a Culture of Inclusion." This theme underscores the importance of amplifying the voices of neurodivergent individuals and creating environments where they feel valued, respected, and included. I was late diagnosed in 2020. I have struggled all of my life to fit in, and to function in ‘normal’ society. I suffered with terrible depression and anxiety in the years leading up to my eventual diagnosis, and I really was at rock bottom when ADHD Ireland came to my rescue. It is a long road no matter who you are or when you are diagnosed. The reality is you have to eventually find a way to accept that your diagnosis does not define you, and you have to learn to understand what you can and cannot easily do. My life is pretty epic now, but I still have to work on myself every day. I have to take care with my emotional responses, and I constantly ‘audit’ my thoughts, feelings and actions. I take on a lot less now, and my boundaries are fairly rigid. I am very strengths based in my orientations, and although I have a million things that I suck at, I have three or four things that I excel at and that give me confidence. I go all in on my strengths, and I count my numerous blessings every day. If you would like to learn more about neurodiversity celebration week, take a look here- https://lnkd.in/efgjedam #neurodiversitycelebrationweek #celebrateyourstrengths #queenpinconsulting

🌟 This week is #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek! 🌟 #Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and we're proud to be supporting it!   This week, we wanted to share how we're making a difference in the world of #Recruitment and how we support our clients and candidates alike. Together, let’s change the narrative to understand, accept, and celebrate neurodiversity! #ThisIsND #InclusiveRecruitment

It's not a superpower! A couple of panels during this first #neurodiversitycelebrationweek day, raised the neurodiversity 'SUPERPOWER' debate. Neurodiversity is a multifaceted concept that celebrates the unique cognitive variations among individuals. It encompasses conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome, dyscalculia, DLD and more. But how do we frame these differences? Is neurodiversity truly a superpower, or does that label oversimplify the complex reality? Some argue that embracing neurological differences can indeed bring unique strengths to the forefront. Think of hyperfocus, creativity, and unconventional problem-solving. These are some “superpowers” that neurodivergent individuals may possess. 🚀 Others contend that labeling neurodiversity as a superpower can trivialize and romantizise the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. It’s essential to recognize that these conditions come with both strengths and difficulties.🤔 I am one of them! Whether a superpower or not, it’s crucial to foster understanding, empathy, and practical support in our social and work environments to ignite a transformative shift in perception and support.🤝 What are your thoughts? Let’s keep the conversation going! 📣 📣 📣 I am proud to be supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Join the wonderful panels and debates and let’s change the narrative to understand, accept, and celebrate neurodiversity! #neurodiversitycelebrationweek #neurodiversityweek #inclusionmatters

May marks the beginning of Tourette’s Awareness Month! As we embark on this month-long journey of raising awareness, let's delve deeper into understanding Tourette's Syndrome. It's a neurological condition characterised by involuntary movements and vocalisations known as tics. While tics can vary widely in frequency and intensity from person to person, one thing remains constant: the need for greater understanding and support. At D&A Services International Ltd, we're deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and empathy for individuals with Tourette's Syndrome and other neurological conditions. Through our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we aim to provide organisations with the tools and resources needed to create supportive environments for all. By promoting awareness and acceptance, we can dismantle stigma and create communities where everyone feels valued and respected. Let's come together to amplify voices, spread knowledge, and advocate for a world where differences are celebrated. Join us in supporting Tourette's Awareness Month and let's make a difference, one step at a time. #TourettesAwarenessMonth #DEI #CSR #SupportTourettesSyndrome 💙