I have made connections with the community during Neurodiversity Celebration Week I have made comments and questions when attending events and workshops.
Here are some examples:
My comments
During the Neurodiversity workshop "In Space: Feeling the Built Environment" at the University of Birmingham a task was given on our thoughts on we we related to build environment at the same time were given an example of expressive literature on environments.
I presented a viewpoint from a wider perspective. Play mentioned it does depend on certain factors including climate, how the environment is well understood, how easy is the information to navigate and how the types of people are in the same environment.
I also mentioned how open spaces do not accommodate anyone to take time out not only for relaxation but to auto regroup and organise themselves. This can cause disruptive effects for a neurodiverse or a person with hidden differences where on occasions when they are on the spot for too long any time to make adjustments and reorganise themselves. Not only it could risk bringing the worst out of them it can we lead to them facing disruptive ableism along with bullying discrimination and hatred. Having a certain timeout environment can affect how a person can be efficient for longer.
I also mentioned that environments that use automated equipment can lead to discrimination from nearby impatient customers.
I also mention how certain open places can cause indirect problems for example at New Street station they installed in 2023 and replication of the large decorated bull sculpture which was part of the opening families for the Commonwealth Games. This has attracted many people who photographed and filmed the sculpture from all items. This can cause a negative side effect for a person with hidden differences with a higher amount of people than normal and also it can be an embarrassment if they are stressed anxious or in emotional distress.
Asking Questions
As part of attending events such as conferences and seminars, I had an opportunity to ask some questions at different presentation talks.
Here are some examples:
Arron Smith
During The Dyslexia Show at the NEC
I asked Arron a question related to some of these plans to improve the representation of dyslexia and neurodiversity.
I asked how we improve representation when it has been married harder recently with the UK Government removing the department for the office of disability back in December 2023
He responded in similar words to focusing more on the communities
Roman Kemp
During Naidex at the NEC
I asked Roman a question after his live interview.
As Roman's appearance at the Naidex event was on International Day of Happiness and informed me of this awareness day and used this as a context to ask my question.
As society can be very perceptive and very judgemental, what you think needs to be improved against the stigma.
I mentioned this question was personal to my perspective and admitted I had shared less & strategised more for example when I have experienced mental health challenges.'
Roman responded to focus on the kids and feels it will be harder to convince anyone older.
He reacted in surprise and admitted he didn't know about the International Day of Happiness.
Nicole Steven
Creative Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Channel 4
During Naidex at the NEC
I asked Nicole a question after she presented the planned strategy to improve how disabilities are portrayed on and off screen under the "code of portrayal"
Because the broadcasters are inspiring her ideas at Channel 4.
So, I asked Rachel could this model could be replicated in other parts of society. I meant an example of Transport for London's report in 2024 to improve diversity and inclusion in the public transport system limiting the improvement for a newer diversity related to the design system when it comes to navigating through their transport network without any lived experiences from neurodiverse persons in the short term. Nicole simply responded that she understood.
Visit my mini-feature "Neurodiversity Focus", available via the Plus Value Awareness website.
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Visit my awareness website "Plus Value Awareness" to discover of projects, campigns and information
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Notice to editors:
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant
With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.
Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000, he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also am involved with salsa classes in the local community as an assistant. Also have participated in major dancing conventions at Birmingham's NEC including Motion City (created by Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity) during the summer and Latinmotion's NYE Fest during the New Year public holiday.
In 2022, Keith became a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the Commonwealth Games