London Tech Week 2021 – Tech For Neurodiversity

Tech For Neurodiversity – London Tech Week July 2021

In this event from The TLA Tech For Disability working group, we aimed to explore how tech can be used to actively benefit the neurodiversity community, providing a boost to both innovation and inclusion. We balance this with a consideration of how the adoption of technologies, such as machine learning, can amplify biases in favour of neurotypical people and what we can do to not leave people behind.

Presentation from: Ashley Peacock, CEO Passio
Panel Chair: Yonah Welker, Explorer, Board Member Yonah.ai/ .org
Panel members: Inas Ismail, Co-Founder Autsera, Leena Haque, Neurodiversity Initiative Lead, UX designer BBC

The panel discussed the challenges and solutions posed by technology for neurodiverse people – for example, biometrics, algorithmic decision-making, recruitment, life management, therapy and more. In addition, they shared real-life examples, experiences and ideas on some of the problems tech can solve.

The session closed with an open call for panellists and attendees to discuss in a Q&A: “How can the tech ecosystem support startups to address these challenges?”

This event was for anyone interested in learning more about the issues and opportunities surrounding neurodiversity in tech from those with lived experience and from the tech community. The World Health Organization has noted that the prevalence of neurological conditions is one of the greatest threats to public health. So we invite anyone to join to help an understanding of what is needed to plan for how they can support, include, cater and design for neurodiversity within your sphere and role.

Some links shared during the event:

Ashley Peacock – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-peacock-4739b93a/

Brilliant Minds Open Talent is a not-for-profit social enterprise startup that uses tech and AI to create new services to help ND people find rewarding employment.