Neurodiversity Celebration Week starts on 18th March! What an excellent opportunity to take a little bit of time out and just consider what it is that sets you apart as an individual.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals and those with learning differences are perceived, supported and empowered within society, while challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences which still persist.
All of us have our own unique blend of experiences, talents, interests and characteristics, which help to define us as human beings.
Pioneering Cultural Anthropologist Margaret Mead best summed it up when she said:
“Always Remember, you are absolutely unique. Just like everybody else”
For East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Neurodiversity Celebration Week gives our organisation the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent or having a learning difference, while creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces which celebrate difference and empower every individual.
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker said: “A diverse and inclusive workplace has many benefits, both for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the communities we serve. Neurodiversity Celebration Week highlights the importance of recognising diverse minds and creating environments where everyone can thrive.”
What is Neurodiversity?
"Neurodiversity” is an umbrella term for a number of conditions such as Dyslexia or ADHD which occur due to differences in the abilities in someone’s neurological profile. Being Neurodiverse can make some things difficult to understand as the world around us is generally set up for people who are neurotypical. It is often misconstrued that somebody who is neurodiverse cannot perform as well as somebody who is not.
Our aim is to develop an inclusive culture throughout East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service which allows everyone to bring their strengths into the workplace in order to improve our service to the public, working to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity within our organisations and the community we serve.
What’s Going On?
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is privileged to have access to a packed programme of webinars and interactive events from speakers who have shared their lived experience and expertise around many aspects of neurodivergence, learning differences, workplace adjustments, wellbeing and mental health.
Links
To find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week and how you too can register for some of their events visit: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events
You can also read about the National Fire Chiefs Council Equality of Access to Services and Employment for Neurodiversity here: Equality of Access to Services and Employment Neurodiversity - NFCC
