Conference Blog

  • In 2025, as workplaces continue to evolve, neurodiverse hiring is no longer just an initiative – it’s a business advantage. Forward-thinking companies are recognizing the value of hiring neurodiverse talent not just as part of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts but as a strategy to drive creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Understanding neurodiversity in the workplace Neurodiversity refers to natural variation in human brain function, including individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. While traditional hiring practices often overlook neurodiverse individuals, organizations that foster inclusive environments reap significant benefits. According to a report by Deloitte, neurodiverse teams can be 30% more productive than their neurotypical counterparts. The business case for neurodiverse hiring Innovation and unique problem-solving Companies that embrace neurodiversity benefit from perspectives that drive innovation. Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that neurodiverse employees bring heightened analytical abilities, pattern recognition skills, and excellent attention to detail – essential traits in industries like finance, research, and technology. Improved employee retention and engagement Creating an inclusive work environment that accommodates neurodiverse individuals fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. A study by the National Autistic Society found that 77% of unemployed autistic adults want to work but struggle to find roles due to traditional hiring practices. A competitive advantage in talent acquisition With labor shortages affecting various industries, neurodiverse hiring provides access to an untapped talent pool. Companies including Microsoft, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and EY, among others, have pioneered neurodiverse hiring programs, reporting increased productivity and engagement among participants. The Inspiration from Innovators conference showcases a number of organizations actively embracing neurodiverse talent: Aspiritech: Employs neurodiverse individuals in software testing & QA, proving the potential of neurodiverse talent in tech-driven industries. Blue Star Recyclers: A social enterprise demonstrating how neurodiverse employees can thrive in sustainability and electronics recycling. Rising Tide Car Wash: A business designed around autistic employees, showing how structured roles empower success. Come to Life Coaching: Led by an autistic entrepreneur, helping businesses develop inclusive hiring practices. Building skills, breaking barriers! Neurodiverse apprentices bring fresh perspectives and innovation to the workplace How companies can successfully implement neurodiverse hiring Redesign hiring practices – Move beyond traditional interviews to skills-based assessments and structured onboarding. Provide workplace accommodations – Simple adjustments like noise-canceling headphones, flexible work hours, and clear communication methods can make a big difference. Train teams on inclusion – Educating employees, HR, and managers promotes a culture of support and understanding. Develop mentorship programs – Creating peer support networks helps neurodiverse employees integrate and thrive. Key takeaways for employers, HR, and DEI professionals Recognize neurodiverse hiring as an innovation and productivity booster. Adapt recruitment processes to be more inclusive. Provide the necessary accommodations and training to support a neurodiverse-friendly work culture. Learn from leading companies that have successfully integrated neurodiverse talent into their workforce. Join the conversation: Inspiration from Innovators – Embracing Neurodiverse Talent at Work To gain deeper insights into successful neurodiverse hiring strategies, join us at the Inspiration from Innovators – Embracing Neurodiverse Talent at Work online conference on Wednesday 30 April. Hear from experts, non-profits, and companies that have created truly inclusive workplaces. Register now and take advantage of early bird rates!

  • We’re excited to announce that Neil Barnett, Director of Accessibility at Microsoft and a trailblazer in inclusive hiring, has joined the speaker lineup for Inspiration from Innovators – Embracing Neurodiverse Talent at Work, taking place online on April 30, 2025. Barnett will share insights in his talk titled “Breaking Barriers: Building an Accessible and Dynamic Workplace for Neurodiverse Talent.” Known for helping develop Microsoft’s Neurodiversity Hiring Program, Barnett also leads the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable, offering tools and resources like Disability:IN’s Neurodiversity Career Connector to organizations committed to making real change. “We are thrilled to have Neil speaking at NeurodiverseWorx 2025,” says Hope Kandel Richardson, Executive Producer of the event for LearningTimes. “His expertise will add incredible value to an already packed day of success stories, strategies, and innovations that support neurodiverse talent at work.” Meet the Full Lineup of Speakers NeurodiverseWorx 2025 is more than a conference – it’s a catalyst for change. Attendees will hear from 15+ speakers representing a wide range of industries, all sharing actionable strategies for inclusive hiring, retention, and team building. Featured speakers include: Danny Combs, Director, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office & Co-Founder, Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce Rajesh Anandan, Co-Founder and CEO, Ultranauts Thomas D’eri, Co-Founder and COO, Rising Tide Car Wash Tara M.P. Havlicek, Program Manager, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Mike Bastine, Board Member, The Uniquely Abled Project Christopher Horning and Robin Kacyn, Senior Analyst & Director of Inclusion, Aspiritech Sam Morris, CEO, Blue Star Recyclers Emily Iland, Author, Advocate & Educator Sem Martinez, Production Manager, Classic Wire Cut Ivan Rosenberg, Founder, The Uniquely Abled Project Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network Tom Iland, Owner, Come to Life Coaching With sessions designed for HR leaders, educators, hiring managers, DEI professionals, and neurodiverse job seekers, the day is filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Why Attend NeurodiverseWorx 2025? This virtual event offers a fully accessible and engaging platform for learning from real-world examples of inclusive hiring and workplace design. Whether you’re looking to start a neurodiversity hiring initiative, improve accommodations, or support neurodiverse employees more effectively, this is the conference to attend. 📅 Date: April 30, 2025💻 Location: Online💲 Tickets: $79 for individuals, group rates available🎟️ Register now at Neurodiverseworx.com Don’t Miss Out – Be Part of the Movement The future of work is inclusive – and it starts with events like NeurodiverseWorx 2025. Secure your ticket today and learn from the innovators shaping tomorrow’s workplace. 👉 Register now and join us on April 30 for a day of insight, inspiration, and impact.