Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF)

I’m crying as I write this post. And we now need YOUR help to #ChangeTheWorld I’ve now got 100 Talkers to give away to kids who could not otherwise afford them. ♥️ ‼️But the most deserving and in-need kids won’t get them unless you help me today please by supporting this post, commenting and sharing with your network‼️ I just started to fundraise for 100 #Talkers given how transformational the impact has been on #TheJoshieMan’s life. His brain has been unlocked by the power of technology, but it deeply saddens me that so many similar kids cannot access this life changing support😭 Clearly, TJM’s story continues to inspire people around the world, as I just got a call from an amazing lady at a big company who is providing all 100 talkers! As simply amazing as this is, the most important thing now is that these talkers find their way to the most deserving children. This is where I need YOUR help please: 📝 Mention people who might benefit, or who might know how to reach families outside of my network. Or ask yourself if you would like one! ✍🏽 Suggest organisations who would love to receive this gift before Christmas? ♻️ Let your network know as there will be lots of kids whom I won’t reach unless you share this post widely. Because, if not us, then who? Because, if not today, then when? Who is with us today? 💪 ⁉️PS: I reached 100 Talkers very quickly, and my ambition to #ChangeTheWorld is now only increased. So today, I’m calling for 100 Talkers each from 100 companies. I’m very confident we can do it together, so comment below if you agree with my request, and build the impetus for big companies to do something life-changing (especially at Christmas time). #NeuroInclusionNow #Neurodiversity #StrongerTogether Video ID: Dan Harris (a white middle aged male), in an Italian restaurant where TJM (an 11 year-old white #NonSpeaking #Autistic boy) is making pizzas, talks about the amazing news.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas-thank you for all of your support this year. Do nominate ALF at https://bit.ly/3ZnnoeJ to give us a chance of winning £1,000. We will be taking a short break from social media over the festive period, to enjoy some time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Managers can make or break the experience of neurodivergent team members. Here are six ways to be a more neuro-inclusive leader: 1. Focus on needs, not labels Managers often ask me: how can I tell if a team member is neurodivergent? Or, if they know someone is neurodivergent, they might look for a 'manual' to support that person based on their specific type of neurodivergence. But every neurodivergent individual is unique. Rather than focusing on labels, ask someone what they need to do their best work, and then provide that support whenever possible. 2. Expand your views of what 'professional' behavior looks like Traditional ideas of professionalism often reflect narrow, neuro-normative expectations. For example, some leaders might interpret a lack of eye contact as a lack of engagement, when for some neurodivergent individuals, avoiding eye contact can actually help them focus and process information. Instead of making assumptions, approach atypical behaviors with curiosity and a willingness to understand. 3. Share communication needs and preferences Some team members prefer quick, direct communication, while others may need more time to process information. Ask your team members for their preferences to ensure everyone feels supported. Be sure to communicate your own preferences as well. For example, some may benefit from written communication they can review at their own pace, while others might prefer a brief chat for immediate clarification. 4. Offer team members different ways of speaking up Create multiple ways for team members to share their ideas and feedback, such as during team meetings, in writing, or individual check-ins. Not everyone feels comfortable speaking up during meetings – and that's OK. Avoid the common pitfall of telling neurodivergent team members they need to be more 'visible'. Instead, work with your team member's strengths to ensure they can express themselves in their own unique ways. 5. Help create a sensory-friendly work environment Neurodivergent individuals can easily get overwhelmed by lighting, scents, noise, and other sensory stimuli. By being mindful of these sensitivities, you can help create a more productive work environment for everyone. For example, can you let a team member work in a shielded area where they can focus more easily? Or offer more flexibility for those who work better from home? 6. Embrace outcome-based management Large organizations often love doing things in a fixed way. Sometimes that's necessary, for example to ensure consistent quality. But trying to force everything into a fixed process can also stifle creativity - especially for those who think and work in non-linear ways. By prioritizing outcomes and impact over presence and processes, you can create a more inclusive environment that empowers everyone to work in ways that play to their strengths. Which neuro-inclusive leadership behaviors would you add? #Neurodiversity Image: six tips for neuro-inclusive leadership.

Listen here to hear trustee, Sarah Dixon’s journey from law to advocating for the neurodivergent.

This is my most important post ever but it will mean nothing if I don’t have your support to #ChangeTheWorld 💙 Please, please, please - do everything you can today to help kids who have no voice in our society; by supporting this post: ✍ Tag in other people who could help raise visibility 👍 Like this post to reach your network ♻ (and then) Repost so that society hears our voice. There are over 30 million #NonSpeaking #Autistic people in the world who do not benefit from a systemic and holistic approach to providing the support they need to communicate to the world. #TheJoshieMan’s life has been transformed through access to inexpensive and easily available technology. He uses an Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) device, his #Talker, to communicate. Just as 'non-hearers' are routinely provided hearing aids,for example, we need to ensure that non-speaking children have these devices routinely funded and supported. 🛑 So, today, we are saying…….NO LONGER will we tolerate this inequity in our society. 🛑 The goal of our campaign, #LetThemHaveTheirVoices, is to raise £55,000 to provide 100 Talkers to kids who would not be able to afford one otherwise. With credit to the amazing Marissa Webb for managing the campaign. The link is in the comments (sort by “recent” and see pinned post). ⭐️ Even if you can’t afford to donate, please support this post to reach the rest of the world. ⭐️ Because, if not us, then who will? Because, if not today, then when? Who is with us today? 💪 ⁉️PS: Today, I’ve got a really simple question for you. Please let me know in the comments - which country are you in? I need to see where this campaign is reaching. Or, do you have any bright ideas about how we can maximise the impact for these kids? #AutismEmpowerment #Neurodiversity #FundAAC Image ID: TJM, a white 11 year old boy, in a white jumper lovingly holding his talker which is an iPad in a blue protective cover.

Let’s talk about this and the situation in primary schools for many SEN children. The BBC reported last week that 90% of children excluded from primary school, over the past 5 years, have special educational needs (SEN). Not only this, this week we also saw the appalling footage of autistic children in a special needs school being locked in a padded room and left. Changes need to be made, and fast. The BBC has reported the rate at which primary school pupils are being suspended from state schools in England has more than doubled in a decade. New data released on Thursday showed over 37,000 suspensions in primary schools in the autumn term of last year - almost as many as in the whole of 2012/13. Permanent exclusion rates of primary-age pupils have also gone up - by almost 70% in the same period - with campaigners warning that affected children can experience long-term impacts. Children’s charity Chance UK says an exclusion can follow a child beyond their school life. Their research suggests 90% of those excluded at primary school fail to pass GCSE English and maths. The government appears to have taken notice following an Office for National Statistics Report which highlighted many gaps in the system and called for a long-term vision of inclusivity. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced a series of plans to make mainstream schools more inclusive for children with special educational needs, confirming: 🤞Two new SEND advisers to guide improvements 🤞A neurodiversity task group to promote inclusivity 🤞Incentives for more SEN units and specialist resources 🤞The aim to recruit 6,500 specialist teachers She also emphasised shifting focus from just academic success to the overall well-being and belonging of every child and that she would be working closely with the NHS ADHD Taskforce that has been set up. The Education Minister Stephen Morgan MP told the BBC the government is already investing £1 billion in SEN and providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school. There is also talk of changes to the Ofsted inspection being made in which schools will be marked on how inclusive they are and how they support vulnerable children. We can but hope the above measures start to make a much needed impact. Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF) knows how important it is that learning differences are identified early, so children can be properly supported and understood. Behaviour is a form of communication- if each child is understood and supported this will hugely impact exclusion figures and enable every child to thrive. Support us in our mission by donating here https://lnkd.in/eJH8AUKX

🎄 "It's the most wonderful time of the year" - but is it wonderful for everyone? As workplace festive parties start to kick into full swing soon, it's crucial to remember that what's festive for some can be overwhelming for others. Drawing from my experience creating neuro-inclusive workplaces, I've written a guide sharing practical tips on making your celebrations more accessible for neurodivergent colleagues. Key takeaways: 🎄 Provide detailed information upfront about venue, timing, and activities 🎄 Create quiet spaces and sensory-friendly zones 🎄 Make participation genuinely optional 🎄 Consider food sensitivities and dining setup 🎄 Educate your team about inclusive practices Remember: Being inclusive doesn't mean dampening the festivities - it means creating an environment where everyone can celebrate in their own way. Check out the full guide - link in comments. What adjustments has your organisation made to create more neuro-inclusive celebrations? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below! 🎄✨

Mohammad Koheeallee - your matrix is brilliant. Thank you for all the work you do in this space. We encourage all employers to have a read. Change doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated.

This #ALFriday we're delighted to share that we'll be part of This is Milk Limited ‘s, Tech for Inclusion event on 20th March 2025 in Glasgow. We are joining a powerful movement towards making a more inclusive world through the use of tech. This year’s discussion topics include: 🤖 Inclusion in the age of Ai 📜 Accessibility legislation for businesses 🌍 Tech’s role in driving global equity We can’t wait to connect with fellow changemakers, share ideas, and collaborate toward a future where tech allows everyone a place and a voice. For more information and tickets please click on this link http://bit.ly/4hSGMIZ All profits from the event are kindly being donated to Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF). See you there!

This was one of the most powerful statistics to come out of our amazing conference last month, "Neurodivergence at Work". Sabrina Menasria spoke about neurodivergence being the future of work, neurodivergent people being an untapped source of talent and reasonable adjustments that can be made in the workplace to support this pool of talent. We also heard from Ben Corbridge and Mohammad Koheeallee about the changes Barclays and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners are making. Dan Harris FRSA spoke about the amazing work he is doing with Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) - the Neurodiversity Charity. We were also lucky enough to hear important insights from Theo Smith, Marc Crawley Dr Martin Bloomfield and Toni Horn. At Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF), we are campaigning for better support for neurodivergent employees in the work place. When better support leads to increased productivity, every business should be looking at ways to increase the support they offer and how to foster a neuroinclusive culture.