Neurodiversity at Work

Good Friend, Inc. is taking inclusion to the workplace!

Good Friend, Inc., in collaboration with Disability:IN Wisconsin, are excited to spotlight the power of inclusion in this incredible project - Neurodiversity at Work. This dynamic training is appropriate for any company seeking to start or expand DEI initiatives or inclusive practices to meet the needs of workers with non-apparent disabilities. The multi-modal training is anchored by a short documentary film featuring the lived experiences of autistic and neurodivergent employees in various industries.

Neurodiversity Training Solutions to Meet Your Company’s Objectives

It is thought that between 15 to 20% of the global population identifies as neurodivergent, with estimates rising as more adults seek later in life diagnoses. Some sources indicate that up to 48% of the population is neurodivergent. About 3% of the population has autism. A shocking number of autistic and neurodivergent adults are un or underemployed, with only 1 out of 5 autistics realizing their full potential in the workplace. Autistic workers often cite the interview process as a major barrier to employment because accommodations are not likely afforded to job candidates.

Employers need to be educated about how to attract, hire, retain and support neurodivergent workers. Good Friend’s Neurodiversity at Work training series addresses these topics with the aim of improving employment outcomes for neurodivergent people.

Self-Guided

Neurodiversity at Work film and e-learning modules

  • Ideal for training a large number of learners

  • Delivered online

  • Independent, self-paced learning

Instructor Led

  • Neurodiversity at Work film paired with a live program

  • Training for groups up to 200 learners

  • Delivered in-person or virtually

  • Customizable program options to include presentations, panel or roundtable discussion

  • Custom training utilizing content from the Neurodiversity at Work film and e-learning modules

    • Training groups up to 100 learners

    • Delivered in-person or virtually

    • Customizable to target the priorities of your company

    • Interactive instruction using film clips, exercises and breakouts

To learn more or schedule training for your employees, contact us!

By educating employers how to best attract, hire, engage, and support neurodivergent talent, we aim to improve employment outcomes for neurodivergent workers.

Self-Guided Employer Training for a More Inclusive, Neurodiverse Workforce

Get ready for an inspiring training film showcasing the talent of neurodivergent employees from diverse industries. E-learning modules expand upon the stories of those featured in the film, with commentary by subject matter experts, to cover a wide range of employment topics, including:

  • HR Philosophy and Practices

  • Neurodiversity Explained

  • Social Workplace Dimensions/Ableism

  • Autistic Characteristics

  • The Case for Universal Design

Neurodiversity at Work is expected to launch early 2024.

  • 'Neurodiversity at Work' will help businesses better understand what neurodiversity is, why it's beneficial to their organization, and how to create a hiring process and working environment more inclusive of neurodivergent, specifically autistic, talent.

  • After viewing the short-documentary film and completing the five educational modules, learners will be able to:

    • Define neurodiversity and summarize the benefits of having a neurodiverse workplace.

    • Identify common characteristics of autism and describe how employees on the autism spectrum may think, communicate or behave differently.

    • Recognize the complexities of social dynamics for neurodivergent people and take an active role in creating a healthy work culture.

    • Illustrate how Universal Design can be used to create more inclusive and accessible workplaces for all.

    • Describe how human resources philosophy and practices can shape corporate culture and the experience of neurodivergent employees.

Check out the trailer and some behind the scenes footage!

Neurodiversity at Work Supporting Partners

Neurodiversity at Work was produced in collaboration with Disability:IN Wisconsin, a state chapter of the United States Disability:IN. Disability:IN Wisconsin offers participating employers resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities, information on disability issues/topics, recognition for best disability employment practices, and exposure to an untapped market for goods and services.  As a non-profit, non-partisan business-to-business network,  Disability:IN Wisconsin engages with businesses on critical disability issues, raises awareness and works to advance, improve and expand employment outcomes for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.

The program was also made possible by the following organizations: