How Can We Improve the Experience at OSE for Neurodiverse People?

Open School East (OSE) welcomes you to an open forum discussion on Neurodiversity and how the organisation can adapt to the needs of Neurodiverse artists and audiences. This discussion will inform the continuing evolution of OSE.

This event is open to all Neurodiverse* (ND) identifying people as well as Neurotypical** (NT) people, and will be facilitated by OSE Associate Connor Sansby (ND – Dyspraxia) and Team Member Louis Palfrey (ND – Asperger’s).

On arrival, guests will be given a name tag to write their name on, and if they wish to disclose their ND or NT status.
We will also be using a traffic light system to regulate social interactions:
• Green means “I am happy to chat to anyone”
• Yellow means “I would prefer to only talk to people I already know”
• Red means “I would prefer not to talk to people”

If you wish not to use a sticker, we will assume you are happy to talk to anyone and be called upon for your input. If you would prefer not to wear a name tag, that is also acceptable though please be advised this may make it harder for OSE to respond to your needs.

About Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a concept similar to biodiversity, which recognises a wide range of naturally occurring variations of the human mind, rather than conditions to be cured.

*The term is used to address Autistic Spectrum, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, as well as many other variations. Mental health conditions such as bipolarity, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder are also added in some readings of the term. This term was created in the 1990s and evolved from the autistic rights movement, led by autistic writers and activists, including Judy Singer, Jim Sinclair and Kathleen Seidel.

**The term Neurotypical is used to refer to those without a defined neurological difference.

Accessibility info
Due to factors beyond our control, this event is inaccessible to those with limited mobility. We can record parts of the session if there is a demand. Please send an email to info@openschooleast.org if you are interested.