Neurodiverse people were meant to thrive, not just survive. The workplace is no exception. What creative solutions can we find?
The RSA Coffeehouse is opening its virtual doors to our global community of Fellows, friends, family and colleagues. Inspired by the origin of the RSA as an enlightenment coffeehouse 300 years ago, our Virtual Coffeehouse Conversations event series offers an interactive space for Fellows to share and discuss ideas for social change. This is an opportunity to find support and feedback from the Fellowship community, with conversation and connection at its heart.
It is estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodiverse. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term, including dyspraxia, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyscalculia, autistic spectrum and Tourette syndrome.
Within the last decade or so a lot of attention has been given to diversity and inclusion within the workplace; whether this is gender balance and equal pay, or respect for religious and cultural differences. Sadly, very little attention has been given to neurodiversity. The estimated global cost impact of not including neurodiversity in diversity goals is $463 trillion. Thom Kirkwood will lead us through perspectives on how to change the future.
What could a creative, neurodiversity-led 2050 look like? Dr Kai Syng Tan will draw on creative and neurodivergent readings and responses to some of the ideas outlined in the RSA’s Bridges to the Future, the Future of Work, and Creative Learning and Development, as well as her recent op-eds for the RSA and elsewhere, in this new performance-lecture which introduces the creative tactic of ‘artful leadership’, and invites the imagination of more inclusive and creative ways of working, organising and being.
Speakers:
Thom Kirkwood, PhD, MAPM, FIntAPA, AIEP, FRSA is a parent and strategist currently employed within Autism Network Scotland, based at the University of Strathclyde. Thom’s specialist areas of interest include Advocacy, Employment, Inclusion, Mitigation and Opportunity.
Dr Kai Syng Tan FRSA SFHEA is an artist-curator, academic and Hyperactive Octopussy who mobilises artistic and artful processes to catalyse conversations for change. She founded the Neurodiversity In/& Creative Research Network which she co-leads with a scientist. She is a trustee, consultant, co-leader or member of 15 networks and organisations in research, arts, health, and human rights.
The event will take place via the online conferencing platform, Zoom. You will receive the link to this meeting upon registering for the event, and again as a reminder 30 minutes before.
If you have questions about this event, please email Rachel Godin (Interim RSA Coffeehouse and London Events Manager) at [email protected]
Please use the "Book Now" link above to receive joining instructions.
