In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Disability, host Professor Jackie Carter, Academic EDI Lead for Disability, is joined by Janine Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Technology and neurodivergent inclusion advocate, and Helen Brewis, Head of Colleague Wellbeing at the University of Manchester.

Together, they explore what it truly means to design inclusively—from classrooms to workplaces—and how universal design benefits everyone, not just those with visible or shared disabilities.

Janine shares her journey leading a three-year project on widening participation for neurodivergent students, developing academic training workshops, and advocating for “universal design for collaboration.” Helen reflects on the importance of psychological safety, flexible environments, and the role of leadership in fostering wellbeing.

This episode is a deep dive into:
- The lived experience of neurodivergent staff and students
- The power of inclusive teaching and assessment design
- Creating safe spaces for disclosure and support
- The ripple effect of staff networks and community-led change
- Moving from dialogue to action—what real commitment looks like

Whether you're an educator, student, manager, or ally, this conversation will challenge assumptions, inspire action, and offer practical insights into building a more inclusive university culture.

Dixon, J. (2025) ‘Widening Participation for Neurodivergent Students ITL Fellowship 2022-24 Project Report’. The University of Manchester. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15529531.

https://zenodo.org/records/15529531