This week (13-17 March) is
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2023, and we’re getting involved by celebrating
and recognising the richness brought by our neurodiverse students and
colleagues while highlighting the challenges they face.
We believe the University is enriched
by the diversity of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds brought by all
within our global community. We are committed to a positive environment where
diversity and inclusiveness is celebrated, and everyone is treated fairly.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is based on the concept
that neurological variances should be recognised and respected just like any
other human variation, such as gender, race or sexual orientation. The human
brain is so complex that no brain is exactly alike. The wide range of natural
neurological variations of the brain affect the way that people think, learn
and process information.
Some of the different ways of thinking,
learning, interacting and perceiving the world have been given labels, such as:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
At Edinburgh Napier, we are proud of
the diverse group of colleagues who help us make a difference to our students.
We’re all here to support big dreams and bright ideas.
You can learn a bit more about some of
our neurodiverse colleagues below.
Ian Sudlow-McKay - Special Collections
Manager, Library Services
“Many people I meet are surprised to
find out that I’m dyslexic, but what they are not aware is the perseverance and
incredible hard work that goes into just keeping up to date.”
Heather Armstrong, Disabled Student
Engagement Worker, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion
“I have worked with line manager to
come up with ways of managing the signs of my dyslexia, which includes issues
with reading, writing large pieces and time management.”
Maria King, Subject Librarian, Learning
and Research Services
“My mind is constantly jumping between
different thoughts and so it is very easy to get distracted from what I am
doing.”
You can
access the full profiles here.
Neurodiversity Week 2023 is a great
opportunity to learn about neurodiversity, and how you can support the people
around you. There is a number of online events organised, which are free for
all, such as “Neuroinclusion in Further
& Higher Education” and “Supporting the Success of Neurodivergent
Learners”. You can register to any event for free on the Neurodiversity
Week website.
Colleagues are also invited to join out
Autism Awareness training at 10am on Wednesday 15 March. Find out more and book
your space here.