​I am committed to creating a space that not only embraces diversity but actively works to dismantle oppression in all its forms. I recognise the impact of systemic inequalities on individuals and communities, and I strive to make my services a place where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

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Through my consultations and services, I endeavour to:

• Listen and Learn: I am dedicated to ongoing self-reflection and education around issues of privilege, power, and oppression, ensuring that my work evolves with the needs of marginalized communities.

• Challenge Inequities: I will actively work to address and challenge inequities within the environments we discuss, recognising how systemic barriers impact neurodivergent individuals and others with intersecting identities.

• Tailor Services: My approach is informed by a developing understanding of how factors such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, and class intersect with neurodivergence. I will work with you to ensure that your needs are understood in this wider context.

• Provide Accessible, Inclusive Spaces: I am committed to making my consultations and resources accessible and inclusive. If you have specific access needs or requests, I invite you to share them, and I will do my best to accommodate them.

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My goal is to support individuals and organisations in creating environments that are free from oppression and discrimination, where everyone can thrive.  However, I recognise that whilst I can practice showing up as an active ally and upstander, I will be doing so from a lived experience as a white, cisgendered, middle-class, lower support needs individual. 

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I will make mistakes and whilst my values and intentions are unlikely to be aligned with wanting to cause harm, I welcome feedback to reflect on and learn from.

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Note on invitations to speak at events

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I get invited to speak at events on topics related to neurodiversity-affirming practice, e.g, within the Speech and Language Therapy profession, often.  I am actively developing my skills around challenging the whiteness of narratives in the field and shift in paradigm.  

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I will therefore ask for information on the confirmed speakers, specifically how many and if numerous, how many are of the Global Majority; queer; non-speaking or AAC users, etc.  On occasion, I may decline invitations to speak where there is a lack of diversity amongst speakers and consideration for the underpinnings of neurodiversity-affirming practice.

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Further reading

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The below resource links have been instrumental in my own learning and are authored by a range of intersectional voices:

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• White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better, by Regina Jackson and Saira Rao.

• Everyday Racism, by Natalie and Naomi Evans

• 10 Principles of Disability Justice, Sin Invalid

• Decolonialising Therapy, with Jennifer Mullan

• A Vision from the Margin: Intersectional Insights on Navigating Diversity in Speech and Language Therapy, Mariam Malik (ed)

• Talila Lewis' Working Definition of Ableism, January 2022 Update