Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices have been implemented in workplaces and society for many years now, in an effort to make the world more harmonious and accepting. DEI accounts for the uniqueness and diversity of every individual and ensures that everyone can thrive.
Although DEI, in theory, accounts for neurodiversity, there are specific ways that neurodivergent people can be advocated for, known as Neuroinclusivity. Let’s go over DEI, ways you can become more neuroinclusive, as well as learn how Bened Life, the creators of Neuralli MP, is striving for Neuroinclusivity.
What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)?
DEI practices are designed in order to support every individual based on their needs. Here is a brief overview what each letter in DEI stands for:
Diversity refers to the uniqueness of every individual, and celebrating, accepting and respecting people’s differences. Traditionally, this includes embracing racial, gender, age and disability diversity, but is now expanded to include neurodivergent minds as well. In the context of DEI, Neurodiversity, therefore, is the celebration of diversity in the unique ways people’s brains work and experience the world.
Equity is the practice of providing accommodations for people based on their needs so they can achieve and succeed. Equity is different from equality in that equality involves providing the same accommodations to everyone, regardless of each person’s individual needs. Traditionally, equity in DEI refers to making accommodations to improve the accessibility of a workplace, for example by installing ramps. Equity for neurodivergent individuals can be implemented in a similar way, which we go into detail later in this article.
Inclusion involves encouraging an inclusive, respectful and accommodating atmosphere or environment so that everyone feels as though they belong. Neuroinclusivity is achieved when accommodations and support are provided in a way that allows neurodivergent people to thrive.
What is Neuroinclusivity?
Being Neuroinclusive involves allowing neurodivergent individuals to feel safe and seen. Neuroinclusivity comes in many forms, such as:
- Providing accommodations for neurodivergent individuals based on their unique needs.
- Advocating for neurodivergent minds and amplifying their voices.
- Providing adjustments to rules and expectations so neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
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Allowing neurodivergent people to freely express themselves, without judgment or feeling the need to conform.
DEI is implemented in order to maintain a standard of respect for someone’s protected characteristics – these are the aspects of a person’s identity which cannot be adapted or changed, including their age, race, gender or disability. Neurodiversity is also considered a protected characteristic, and many DEI efforts account for neurodivergent people – but how exactly is that done?
How Can You Become More Neuroinclusive?
As neuroinclusivity involves making accommodations and creating an atmosphere of respect and celebration of neurodivergent people. To become more neuroinclusive, you can:
Recognise and Celebrate Neurodiversity
Building awareness and acceptance around neurodiversity can be achieved through sharing your story and perspective with neurotypical people. Providing neurotypical people with an opportunity to ask and discuss neurodiversity and mental health can help break stigma and build understanding.
Include Neurodivergent Voices
To achieve neuroinclusivity, neurodivergent people must be involved in the conversation. Whether it’s in your workplace, school or community, make sure you invite neurodivergent people to the conversation, so that you can be sure your efforts to become more neuroinclusive are safe and inclusive.
Advocate for Accommodations
Neuroinclusivity has a strong component of equity, where accommodations are provided for people based on their unique needs. This is essential so that everyone can thrive regardless of their differences. Neurodivergent people can advocate for themselves to receive equitable accommodations such as:
- Using fidget toys, noise canceling headphones or other sensory items at work
- Taking breaks during the day
- Asking for a ‘low-stimulation’ period during the day, where lights can be dimmed, or background music is turned off in the office
- Requesting extended deadlines for projects
Start or Join an ERG at Your Work
An employee resource group (ERG) is an internal team of colleagues who act as representatives for a specific group in their workplace or industry. ERGs can advocate for needs, provide support and development opportunities for members of their group. Some common examples of ERGs include groups for women, disabled workers and working parents. You can consider starting an ERG to represent and advocate for the neurodivergent people in your workplace, such as a group for Autistic workers or workers with ADHD.
How Bened Life Advocates for Neuroinclusivity
Bened Life is committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of neurodivergent people worldwide. Our priority is creating a neuroinclusive world where everyone is able to flourish. Some ways Bened Life is dedicated to this cause includes:
- Ongoing DEI training for all Bened Life employees
- Our partnership with Kulture City, an organization committed to making a sensory inclusive world
- Having neurodivergent ambassadors representing our brand, including Adrianne, Rose, and Izzy
- Continuous research and development towards resources and solutions to allow neurodivergent people to thrive, including Neuralli MP, our innovative probiotic
Bened Life’s Chief Science Officer Noelle Patno PhD giving a talk at the SXSW conference.
Although DEI encompasses neurodiversity, making an extra effort to accommodate neurodivergent individuals goes a long way in supporting their wellbeing. Neuroinclusivity requires its own strategies and can improve neurodivergent people’s lives in ways that simply celebrating neurodiversity cannot.
Educate others, Advocate for and Celebrate Neurodiversity!
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