Overview

ACS and TechDiversity are hosting a special gathering on the benefits of hiring a neurodiverse workforce. Let's cultivate talent, recognising the untapped potential of neurodivergent individuals and understand how they can help organisations solve complex problems and drive innovation.

We know that business leaders are facing mounting expectations to incorporate diversity within their workforce, as a means to foster innovative thinking for a competitive advantage. At this event we highlight how embracing neurodiverse talent could prove to be a crucial component of embracing opportunities.

Did you know that approximately 20% of the world's population identifies as neurodivergent?
Shockingly, in Australia, the unemployment rate among neurodiverse individuals stands at a staggering 34%. Even more disheartening is the fact that many who are employed find themselves in roles far below their true potential. Securing a fulfilling and rewarding job is a challenge that many face, but for neurodivergent individuals, it's an even greater uphill battle.

One of the barriers to entering the workforce is the traditional recruitment process, it is a disabling exercise, that allows little time to acknowledge skills and abilities and relies more on one’s ability to elevate or sell oneself whilst weaving a well-constructed resume and story (like speed dating). It does not allow a potential employer to observe practical skills, technical abilities or understand an individual’s potential.

Join us to discuss the benefits of hiring a neurodiverse workforce and the positive impact that it has on business culture and endurance. During this interactive event we will discuss everything from interview process through to induction, transition and the necessary support required for a neurodiverse workforce. Interestingly, what you will learn is that if we focus on creating a work culture that celebrates neurodiverse people, we create a more diverse, inclusive and belonging workforce for everyone.

Audience Profile

We anticipate the audience and presenters to contain Construction, Engineering, ICT Sector, Enterprise businesses, Government, with job titles that include C-level positions, Managers, Consultants, DE+I & HR practitioners.

With other attendees from Recruitment and Consulting Agencies, Sales, Marketing and Media and from the Non-Profit Organisations.

Speakers

Dr Alexandra Johnston, Research and Teaching Academic at the University of Melbourne
Vicky Little, National Manager, Quality and Practice at Specialisterne Australia
Ruth Bonser, Chair of Employee Advocacy Group at Westpac for disabilities, neurodiversity, carers and mental health at Westpac
Mike A. Dudarenok, Chief Information and Digital Officer at NSW Education Standards Authority
Helen Warner, Head Of Partnerships at ACS (Australian Computer Society
Luli Adeyemo, Executive Director at TechDiversity Foundation (MC)

Event Format

After our keynote speaker, Julie Robertson, CEO of Specialisterne, will be hosting a panel discussion with key representatives to explore real world examples on how to cultivate an environment that attracts and retains from the neurodivergent community.

Donations for ticketing

One ticket is equivalent to a $45 donation. 100% of this will go towards developing digital narratives to amplify the voices of these important stories to more people and industries.