EP04: The Neurodiversity Conversation

FARSIGHT Chats

In this episode of Farsight Chats, hosted by Farah Bala, an enriching discussion unfolds around neurodiversity in the workplace, featuring insights from Jennifer Sarrett, Marcia Brissett-Bailey, Sam Crane, and Dennis Tran.

The conversation, originally recorded on March 24, 2023, dives deep into the nuances of neurodiversity, intersectionality, and the importance of creating inclusive environments for neurodiverse individuals. The guests share their personal experiences, discuss the significance of accommodations, and offer practical suggestions to foster psychological safety and enhance workplace culture.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for those looking to understand and support neurodiversity within their organizations, challenging established norms and advocating for systematic, inclusive change.

Key points covered include:

• Definition of Neurodiversity: The diversity in how human brains function, contrasting neurotypical people who fall within societal norms. The term, coined by Judy Singer, has expanded to include conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, PTSD, and more.
• Stigma and Challenges: Neurodivergent people often face misunderstandings and biases, leading to stigmatization in workplaces and schools. Guests share personal experiences of exclusion and systemic barriers.
• Workplace Inclusion: The conversation covers strategies for making workplaces more inclusive, like providing reasonable accommodations (flexible schedules, assistive technology) and creating environments where employees feel safe disclosing their needs.
• Intersectionality: The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding how race, gender, and disability intersect, with discussions on how certain groups face compounded barriers due to these overlapping identities.
• Call for Change: There’s a focus on changing workplace culture by investing in diversity, promoting long-term strategies, and ensuring diverse leadership to create inclusive policies.

00:00 Introduction to Farsight Chats

01:29 Understanding Neurodiversity

02:32 Meet the Panelists

07:04 Defining Neurodiversity

16:11 Intersectionality and Neurodiversity

24:53 Challenging Stigma and Myths

32:19 Inclusive Onboarding Strategies

33:03 Universal Design in Organizational Culture

33:59 Understanding Accommodations and Adjustments

34:16 Legal Frameworks for Disability Accommodations

37:23 Intersectionality and Employee Resource Groups

40:17 Challenges in Requesting Accommodations

41:07 The Importance of Leadership in Diversity

42:59 Rethinking Workplace Structures

47:43 Best Practices for Neurodiverse Employees

52:27 Creating Safe and Supportive Work Environments

• 57:43 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

RESOURCES

• Sarrett, JC. (2017). Interviews, disclosure, and misperceptions: Autistic adults’ perspectives on employment related challenges. Disability Studies Quarterly 37(2). [open source]
• “From Reactive to Proactive DEIB: Universal Design for Equity”
• Black, Brillant & Dyslexic by Marcia Brissett- Bailey

Connect with our guests:

• Marcia Brissett-Bailey | Author, Educator, Speaker, and Dyslexia Advocate
• Sam Crane | Legal Director - Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities
• Jennifer Sarrett | Founder & Director - Disruptive Inclusion
• Dennis Tran | DEIA Advocate & Social Impact Storyteller

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