Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Sue McLoughlin MBA, Founder and Managing Director, StriveToThrive.ie

Developing a Comprehensive Organisational Approach to Neuro-Inclusion

Speaker: Áine Maher, Diversity, Belonging & Mental Wellbeing Consultant specialising in Neuropsychological Education for Business

• Getting the conversation started – the key terms
• The business case for action and why neuro-inclusion is essential for the future of work
• Seven guiding principles to create a neuroinclusive organisation
  • Understand where you are now and commit to along-term action plan
  • Focus on creating an open and supportive culture where people feel comfortable discussing neurodiversity
  • Proactively consider neurodiversity in all people management interactions
  • Allow individual employees to control their journey
  • Embrace flexible working to enable everybody to thrive
  • Practice ongoing attention to well-being
  • Empower neurodivergent voices

Understanding Neurodiversity- Challenging Common Myths and Stereotypes in a Work Environment

Speaker: Michele Van Valey, Education Coordinator, Neurodiversity Ireland

• What are some of the common myths and stereotypes associated with neurodiversity?
• Challenges faced by neurodivergent employees in ‘traditional’ workplace settings
• Addressing neurodiversity misconceptions in a workplace in a tactful and sensitive manner, and encouraging an open dialogue

Facilitating Workplace Inclusion by Neuro-Inclusive Design of a Physical Workplace

Speaker: Eimear Fitzpatrick, Workplace+ Interiors Creative Director, RKD Architects

• Spatial Organization
• Spatial Character
• Acoustic Quality
• Thermal Comfort
• Lighting
• Degree of Stimulation

The Fear of ‘Saying The Wrong Thing’ –The Neurodiversity Language

Speaker: Jeanette Delahunty, Founder, Consultant and Lead Trainer TSK Academy ‍

• Why is it important to get the terminology right in workplace settings?
• The most common mistakes in neurodiversity language – helping shape perceptions by using correct terms
• Tools to support your colleagues in navigating the complexity of neurodiversity language

Neuro-Inclusive Recruitment and Retention – Tapping Into The Neurodiverse Talent Pool

Speaker: Elysia Hegarty, Associate Director at Future of Work Institute, part of Cpl Group

• First-hand experience as a neurodivergent individual
• Organisational benefits of neurodiverse teams
• How are neurodivergent people disadvantaged during ‘traditional’ recruitment processes and the business impact?
• Tools and techniques for making the recruitment process more neuro-inclusive
• How the onboarding process be made more inclusive for a neurodiverse talent pool
• Best practice in retention efforts of neurodiverse staff
• The importance of Wellness-Centred Leadership in engaging and retaining neurodivergent individuals

Neurodiversity in the Context of Legislation

Speaker: Sharon Dillon Lyons, Barrister at Law, The Law Library

• What are an employer’s legal obligations towards neurodiverse employees/applicants?
• What reasonable adjustments can employers make for neurodiverse employees?
• Should neurodiverse individuals disclose this to employers or potential employers?
• What first steps can an employer make?
• Tips for employers

Facilitating an Open Dialogue

Speaker: Bronagh Eaton, Employment Officer, AsIAm

• Do you know how many neurodivergent employees are in your workplace?
• Balancing the workplace dynamics influenced by both the fear of disclosure and the lack of one
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment for open dialogue between managers and employees

The Policy and Reasonable Adjustments

Speaker: Regan O'Driscoll, Partner at CC Solicitors

• Supporting mental health and wellbeing of neurodivergent employees in the workplace
• The importance of truly inclusive leadership – providing the right support for line managers
• How to measure the success of your policies, and to make sure that they continue to respond to the needs of your employees?

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