Too often, neurodivergent employees have been regarded as a ‘problem’ or ‘not fitting in’. We need to flip the script and recognise the barriers presented by work systems and cultures. 

If we want to make the most of the value neurodivergent people add to an organisation, we may need to ‘revolutionise’ workplaces in terms of the way we recruit and manage staff and how we expect them to perform their work tasks.

In this webinar presenter Annette van Lamoen will share the findings of a project to scope the development of a Neurodivergent-Friendly Quality Mark (NFQM) for workplaces in Aotearoa New Zealand. This project was initiated in response to the growing awareness of the systemic barriers many neurodivergent employees face and the pressing need for inclusive work environments.

The project included a review of national and international research and stakeholder consultation to identify effective practices in creating inclusive, barrier-free workplaces.

In this webinar we will discuss:

• the benefits of neurodivergent-friendly workplaces
• challenges experienced by neurodivergent people at work
• feedback from employers, employees, and experts on current gaps and needs
• inclusive workplace practices 
• recommendations for the development of a robust NFQM framework.

Presenter | Annette van Lamoen

Annette is a Professional Learning and Development Consultant at Ako Aotearoa, with a rich background in teaching Literacy, Language and Numeracy (LLN) and providing professional development across Aotearoa New Zealand. She previously served as Manager of the National Centre of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults, and as a Teaching Fellow at the University of Waikato, where she lectured and tutored in adult literacy education and dyslexia.

She is passionate about supporting the creation of equitable learning and teaching environments. She co-designed the New Zealand Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark and her more recent work has included the development of a course on Universal Design for Learning and a project to scope the development of a Neurodivergent-Friendly Quality Mark for workplaces.

About the Manako Programme Webinar series

Each month the Ako Aotearoa Manako programme offers a free webinar featuring subject matter experts around topics that support educators working with adult learners.

Further information can be found on the Manako Communities of Practice Facebook groups. If you're not already a member, you're invited to join.