Networking Event on Neurodiversity

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Time: 5.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: KHBS3035, Kingston Hill campus, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7LB
Price: free
Speaker(s): Taylor Mitchell, Paty Paliokosta, Nicola Ryan, Aga Buckley and Theo Kostidakis

This integrated arts-facilitated multi-disciplinary event aims to promote discussion and reflection on inclusive learning environments and foster professional collaboration for supporting neurodivergent students in various settings, such as schools, higher education and professional spaces.

Activities will include speed-dating, visual presentations, and workshops on key topics like supporting neurodivergent students and improving communication between higher education and work sectors.

The UNSEEN performance by Taylor Mitchell will explore neurotypical expectations and invisible disabilities by inviting the audience to interact with the stage, to invite critical reflection of who/what is not seen and who gets to choose. Parallel sessions will offer practical strategies and discussions, including embodied approaches to self-care. The plenary session co-constructs short-term outcomes and plans for ongoing collaboration and research, with a follow-up event scheduled for September 2024. Overall, the event seeks to identify systemic barriers and support participants to work towards co-creating inclusive environments for all students, emphasising the value of understanding different learning styles and abilities.

Date and Time: Wednesday 22nd May, 4-7pm

Venue: KHBS3035

Refreshments and food will be available to accommodate the timing of the event and support creativity!

Inclusive bursaries for caring, accessibility or professional/school cover will be available to ensure inclusivity.

Rundown of the event

4:00- 4:30 Introduction to Neurodivergence (Dr Paty Paliokosta, Department of Education and team members):

*Please come prepared to make your 3-minute-pitch on your area of interest and things you wish to achieve

• Engage participants through activities like speed-dating and visual presentations.
• Highlight the concept of neurodiversity and the value of understanding different learning styles and abilities.
• Share insights from the ‘Network of Equality Champions' project on Neuroinclusive learning environments, and other university and sector initiatives, focusing on tackling systemic barriers and creating inclusive environments for all, including neurodivergent students.

4:40-5:30 UNSEEN (Performance and opening presentation)

Taylor Mitchell (BA MA (He/Him), Lead Creative Arts Psychotherapist, HCPC registered Arts Therapist, Qualified MA Drama therapist)  

UNSEEN performance is about power and disclosure, exploring neurotypical expectations of people with 'invisible' disabilities by inviting the audience to interact with the stage, to invite critical reflection of who/what is not seen and who gets to choose.

5:40-6:15 Parallel Sessions (Supported by SIG Members and invited experts):

Facilitated discussions on key topics to promote knowledge exchange and professional collaboration.

Parallel Session Topics (Indicative):

• Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Students (Nicola Ryan, Department of Public Health and Children's, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Nursing)
• Building positive relationships and effective communication to support inclusive practice and work placements. Lessons from Neurodivergence Professional Networks (Aga Buckley, Department of Social Work and Social Care)

• Experiential session via embodied approach: The Importance of Self-Care and Mental Health (Theo Kostidakis, Drama Therapist)

6:15-7:00 Plenary

Our Short-Term Outcomes

Co-construct outcomes of the day and next steps using visual and art-facilitated experiential methods (Theo Kostidakis & Taylor Mitchell)

For further information about this event:

Contact: Dr Paty Paliokosta
Email: p.paliokosta@kingston.ac.uk