Celebrating Disability Pride Month: introducing our “Neurodivergent Ways of Working Guide”

July is Disability Pride Month: the perfect time to acknowledge the diversity and potential of disability, and especially – in my case – neurodivergence. As part of this celebration, I am happy to share an initiative at Nexer Digital that is close to my heart: a new in-house resource called the Neurodivergent Ways of Working Guide (NDWWG). 
 
The NDWWG is an information resource – think handbook, just online – that will provide signposting, trusted third-party research, contributions from colleagues, and context to all-things neurodiversity and neurodivergence.  
 
Regardless of how team members identify in terms of their neurodiversity, the NDWWG will be relevant to everyone here at Nexer Digital. It’s a whole-team resource with an ND focus. 

The NDWWG has emerged from some rich compost, that includes: 

• Nexer’s long-term commitment to digital accessibility. 

• My lifelong experience as a neurodivergent person trying to understand neurodivergent ways of working. 

• Our diversity and inclusion company-wide initiatives, like the formation and evolution of several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) including “Access at Nexer”. 

• My experience of applying for the UK Gov scheme, Access to Work (ATW). 

• And last – but not least – a paradigm shifting presentation, in October 2024, from Rachel Morgan-Trimmer that recalibrated my thinking round my personal relationship to Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Access to Work (ATW) is a UK Gov scheme designed to help disabled people find or stay in meaningful employment. For the longest time I hadn’t connected my challenges with ATW. When I decided to apply, I unwittingly started to write the first draft of what would later become the NDWWG. I must be honest and tell you that this was not the plan. To get the most out of the ATW process I had to do a lot of thinking and research into how I do things. It wasn’t easy. But I am glad I did it. 

Since October 2024 I’ve done a deep dive into understanding various kinds of neurodivergence. Supported by Nexer I did part of the work during ERG hours. However, it grew arms and legs, and I ended up with a lot of ND insights and resources sitting in a folder on my laptop desktop. I figured that I cannot be the only one in a large team of professionals with ND and access challenges. The goal of my research was to deepen my self-awareness and challenges. I hope that by sharing lived experiences in a guide format, other team members will feel empowered to share their experiences too. And if not share, read, find information for themselves  and feel more informed, more empowered and less isolated. 

What's inside the NDWWG? 

The NDWWG is made up of different sections, each presenting information in various formats, such as words, videos, audio, lists, books, and articles. Here is a sneak peek into how it’s shaping up: 

• Primer and overview: an introduction to the Guide; its aims and objectives, and what it does and doesn’t cover. 

• Neurodiversity vs. Neurodivergence: An explanation of the difference between some key ND terms. 

• Micro-explainers: template explanations of key topics. 

• Directory section: link-based signposting to various external ND support services and resources. 

• Quotes and insights: inspirational quotes and insights from famous ND individuals, as well as from books, articles, poems and reports. 

• Illustrations and data visualisations: graphics and illustrations to help explain concepts and data. 

• ND-inclusive tools and methods: a look at the ways we can help our clients and partners with ND accessibility and inclusivity

• Events calendar: ND-focused events, including talks, meetups, and conferences. 

• Contribution workflow: a written-down process that will enable other team members to add their experiences and knowledge to the Guide, and/or help in the task of producing and maintaining it. 

A Collaborative Effort 

In June 2024, I introduced the NDWWG to the wider Nexer Digital team through a show-and-learn session. It was an amazing opportunity to share the guide’s vision and gather initial feedback. Following this session, I sent out a short questionnaire to ask which team members would like to contribute. The response has been incredibly positive, and I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues to make the NDWWG as comprehensive and useful as possible. 

My Journey with Neurodiversity 

Exploring and sharing some of my own experiences with dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Irlen syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) has been both challenging and rewarding. By openly discussing these experiences, I hope to create a more inclusive and understanding workplace culture at Nexer Digital. For example, my dyslexia means I often find the virtual office systems extremely challenging. However, my ND traits also give me a unique perspective on problem-solving, designing, relationship building, communication, and creativity. My experience with ASD helps me see patterns and systems in ways that others might not, but it also means I can find some workplace situations and changes in routine overwhelming. Understanding these strengths and challenges has been crucial in developing the NDWWG. 

Why the NDWWG Matters 

The NDWWG is more than just a guide; it's a tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and collaboration within our team. By providing information and resources on neurodiversity, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their neurotype. 

For neurotypical colleagues, the guide offers insights into the experiences of ND individuals and practical advice on how to support them. For ND team members, it provides a sense of community and validation, knowing that their experiences are understood and valued. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I’m proud to be part of an organisation that values diversity and inclusion. The NDWWG is a testament to Nexer Digital’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for all employees. 

We're hoping to have the initial version launched by this September, and I’m excited to see how the guide evolves with contributions from my colleagues and to witness the positive impact it will have on our team. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. 

Links: 

Disability Pride Month: https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/awareness-day/disability-pride-month/ 

UK Government's Access to Work scheme: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Rachel Morgan-Trimmer's website: https://askfirebird.com/ 

Rachel Morgan-Trimmer's Camp Digital talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohdnf7je6QA