Neurodiversity Celebration Week
16 Mar 2026
A place where every mind matters
This week, we proudly recognise Neurodiversity Celebration Week; a global initiative that challenges stereotypes, increases understanding, and highlights the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent people. The week offers an important opportunity for us to deepen our collective awareness, learn from lived experiences, and ensure our community remains a place where all minds are welcomed and supported.
Why Neurodiversity Matters
Neurodiversity is the natural variation in how human brains think, learn and process information. Many neurodivergent colleagues and students bring unique perspectives, creativity, innovation, hyper‑focus, curiosity, empathy, and analytical strengths to our University.
PJ Hemmaway, Senior Sponsor, Neurodivergent Staff Network:
“Neurodiversity is one of our community’s greatest strengths. Many of us find that once we stop trying to ‘fit’ into ways of working not designed for us, and instead shape environments that work with our brains, we thrive. I’m proud of the progress we’re making at Manchester to build cultures where colleagues feel safe, supported and valued - diagnosis or no diagnosis.”
New: Disability@Manchester Hub
This new hub is a multidisciplinary and cross-functional community, bringing together projects, initiatives and events, covering all aspects of disability at the University, including neurodiversity. It’s aimed at everyone involved or interested in the Disability Inclusion space, not just Disabled people.
Join now: General | Disability@Manchester | Microsoft Teams
Resources and support
- EDI Blogs: check out our colleagues’ blogs, covering everything from the value of ADHD at work, to how thoughtful teaching design can make learning more accessible for everyone.
- Let’s Talk Disability podcast: a series of episodes that centre the voices and lived experiences of disabled colleagues, students and partners, on topics including neurodiversity.
- Disabled Staff Support (DASS) - this confidential service offers support to colleagues, with no formal diagnosis required.
- Join our Neurodivergent Colleague Network for peer support, shared learning and community
- Neurodiversity celebration week resources