All in for engineering – Neuro-inclusion in person meet-up

10.00   Early arrivals/networking. coffee & pastries.

10.30   Welcome and Neuro-inclusion maturity model recap.

Aims: update and reminder of framework for working group.

Outputs:

• Shared understanding on model progress, timescales, population and toolkit vision
• Outputs from working groups

11.00   Inclusive kick-off session, facilitated by NMITE’s Emma Lewis

Aims: Clear rules of engagement, warmer exercise for language and voice discussions.

Outputs:

• Agreed rules of engagement
• Clear roles

12:00   Lunch

12.45   Navigating a deficit framework with authentic voices, facilitated by the Definitions and Authentic voice groups

Definitions aims: Capturing the right language for use by the community. Definitions for facilitating inclusive conversations.

Outputs

• Definitions explainer outline from medical model to super strengths
• Other possible “translation” approaches

Authentic voice aims: Aims: Highlighting synergies with Engineering and apturing how we self-describe.

Outputs:

• Aligning neurodivergent strengths to Engineering skills
• Model of rReal-world explainers of how student Engineers manage support.
• Clear scope (including ethics), format and voice approach for working group. What does this all look like in the toolkit?

14.00   Break

14:15 Neuro-inclusive assessment, facilitated by the Assessment Development Group

Aims: To outline what have done to date, and live questions and to move exciting plans forward through the wider development group

Outputs:

• Clear plan for next steps

14:45  Neuro-inclusive resources, facilitated by the EPC

Aims: To get the resources work off the ground and convene a repository

Outputs:

• Part-populated Padlet for development
• Working group and lead

15.15       Wrap-up and forward planning 

Aims: Clear record and understanding of what we’ve got from the day that we didn’t have before. Clear next steps.

Outputs:

• Material for community update
• Project plan timeline
• Agreed points of contact

15.45       Close

Location and Parking

The event will take place in the Main Hall, NMITE, Blackfriars Street, Hereford (not Skylon as briefly advertised). Full address: NMITE Blackfriars Campus, Blackfriars Street Hereford, HR4 9HS.

Please use the entrance opposite St. Thomas Cantilupe Primary School on Widemarsh Street, as show on the map. This is a 10 minute walk from Hereford train station.

All attendees arriving by car should use the Garrick Multi Storey Car Park on Widemarsh Street, in yellow on the map. The postcode is HR4 9HG. This is a 1 minute walk to NMITE.

Accessible parking must be pre-booked via reception@nmite.ac.uk. Such parking is located within 15 metres of the event location on a flat surface from the parking area to the building entrance. Such spaces on the NMITE campus are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also 12 disabled bays in the Garrick Multi Storey Car Park.

Figure 1. Location of NMITE Blackfriars Campus, Railway station and Garrick Multi Storey Car Park in Hereford

Emergency exits and routes to emergency assembly points are fully accessible with double width doorways and step-free routes.

There is an accessible toilet adjacent to the Main Hall on the ground floor. This toilet is located next to the men’s and women’s toilets.

The Main Hall has large windows and benefits from an abundance of natural light. We do not expect to use artificial light unless it is a particularly overcast day. If we do use additional lighting, please let us know if you can’t find a comfortable spot and we will do our best to adjust lights. There is no strobe lighting.

There are no fire alarm tests planned for this event, and we do not expect any sudden loud noises.

During the event

Speakers will be using microphones, and we will use presentation screens. Room layout will be ‘cabaret’. Furniture is moveable and task chairs are in place, so you should be able to make yourself comfortable.

If you need to move around during the event, please feel free to do so. The event convenor will make a statement to this effect at the beginning of the day. Generally speaking, it is a day of active engagement structured into short sessions with clear outputs. Please see the Programme tab for the agenda.

If you need fresh air and/or natural lighting and/or to step away for a moment, feel free to use the lawned area to the front of NMITE.

We will welcome you with hot and cold drinks, and pastries, fruit and protein bars. Plant-based milk will be available. Lunch will be served at 12.45 and will be buffet style. Drinks top-ups will arrive at 2.30pm. The Main Hall has basic kitchen facilities and a vending machine which you are free to use.

We recognise some attendees may be observing Ramadan on this day. A meeting room adjacent to the Main Hall will be made available as a food-free space for rest or prayer.

Disability, emergency and medical services

If you will be joining us in a wheelchair, or with a service animal, or have any other need for specific seating, please consider letting us know so we can reserve a seat for you that meets your requirements.

If you will be joining with a Personal Care Assistant, please let us know so we can cater for them and ensure they are seated with you.

If emergency or medical assistance is required at any time during this event, please notify an NMITE colleague or the event convenor.

A final note…..

While we aim for a comprehensive access, achieving 100% accessibility is challenging. Please know that accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we are continually working to enhance it. If you require any other accessibility support in preparation for the day, please contact us at reception@nmite.ac.uk.

If you have any accessibility requirements on the day, please speak to an NMITE colleague or Beverley Gibbs – she will introduce herself at the beginning of the event.

NMITE is dedicated to offering an accessible environment for all attendees. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and productive environment that welcomes everyone attending this event.

NMITE expects that activities held under its support promote full engagement and sense of belonging for all attendees. Our expectation is that these activities are free from any form of harassment, unwelcoming behaviour, exclusionary conduct, or discriminatory actions or remarks.