Posted 04 Jan 2022
Nominations Open to find Neurodivergent Heroes
Genius Within Launches the 2022 Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards. Organised by neurodiversity specialists, Genius Within CIC and sponsored by Microsoft and EY, these are the largest awards dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the Neurodiversity community. Seven categories recognise neurodivergent individuals and organisations who seek to create systemic and lasting change, honoring the strengths that different minds can bring to the workplace. The Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards recognise role models who break down barriers, and the organisations committed to neuro-inclusion.
Nominations are free and are open across all seven categories.
- Best Assistive Technology (sponsored by Microlink)
- Inclusion Project of the Year (sponsored by Osborne Clarke)
- Most Inclusive Education Provider (sponsored by Phoenix Software)
- Neurominority Achiever of the Year (sponsored by Mace Group)
- Stereotype Buster (sponsored by Hays Technology)
- Neurodiversity Research of the Year (sponsored by Birkbeck University Research Centre)
- NEW! Most Inclusive Employer (sponsored by Babcock International)
- NEW! Community Choice Award (sponsored by Blooming Genius)
Last year’s winners spanned education, business, technology and entertainment. 2021 Community Choice Winner, Laura Tween from Able Hands Together a charity providing therapeutic farming, said the award was ‘a lovely lift for the team after a difficult year’.
Genius Within CEO, Jacqui Willis issued a call to action to everyone who knows a deserving role model. ‘We all need systemic change, right across the world, in our governments, in our social systems, and throughout our organisations. This awards programme shines a light on those who are leading the way, either as an individual or through an organisation that recognises and supports neurodiverse talent.’
Michael Vermeersch, UK Accessibility Product Marketing Manager from the award sponsor, Microsoft said: “Microsoft believes that diversity enriches our performance and products, the communities where we live and work, and the lives of our employees. We know that to produce products and services that empower everyone, we need diverse thinkers. We are proud to support the ‘Genius Within – Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards’, highlighting the achievements of neurominorities and inclusive organisations”.
Catriona Campbell, EY UKI Client Technology & Innovation Officer, the other sponsor of the awards, said: “Unlocking the exponential power of neurodiversity could be a gamechanger for UK businesses. By supporting the ‘Genius Within – Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards’ awards, we can highlight and celebrate the achievements of role models and organisations that are committed to accelerating inclusion for all in the workplace. The example they set for others will benefit businesses and society, while boosting the employment opportunities available to individuals with cognitive differences.”
Nominations can be made online below:
Nominations close on Monday 17th January 2022.
The awards will be announced on Thursday 24th March 2022, at a hybrid real-life event live streamed to a virtual audience.
