A SCOTS business support programme is aiming to help shine a light on neurodiversity as part of their annual conference.
XpoNorth acts as a specialist support mechanism for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and host their conference between June 15th and 16th.
Author of the Underdogs series, Chris Bonnello, will take part in a session focusing on supporting and encouraging neurodiversity.
An autistic advocate, international speaker, writer and teacher, Chris launched Autistic Not Weird to share his insights from both a personal and professional perspective, a venture which attracted over 155,000 Facebook followers and international speaking engagements.
The Support and Encouraging Neurodiversity panel brings together speakers with the “knowledge and experience” to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by people with neurodivergent features.
It also aims to explore whether enough is being done to allow individuals to work to their fullest potential as well as offer perspectives on recruitment and discuss support options in the creative industries.
XpoNorth will also be exploring mental health in their Design: Influencing Lifestyle and Wellbeing session.
XpoNorth have said that the pandemic has forced many to think differently about their lives, relationship with work and how to look after themselves in general and say that this discussion will look at how design can influence changes in lifestyle.
Iain Hamilton, Head of Creative Industries at Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: “Championing neurodiversity across the sector is hugely important and an area we will be focussing on across the conference programme.
“Businesses could find themselves lacking the distinct advantages that come from building a more diverse workforce and the increased productivity, creativity and focus this could bring.
“We are delighted to have Chris Bonello joining us to delve further into the dynamics of this topic, offer first hand expert insight into what is being done right, explore what more can be done – and discuss how we can ensure the right mechanisms are in place going forward.
“This session is part of a wide range of diverse panels that make up our digital conference this year, and we would encourage those interested to sign up and check out the full programme.”
Following two years as a digital event, the conference will return as an interactive online experience via the Socio platform.
XpoNorth say this year’s edition offers enhanced opportunities for attendees through a blend of unique seminar content, dedicated 1-2-1 sessions, networking opportunities and digital trade spaces.
