If you think this could help you or someone you work with, it’s worth looking into. Go to gov.uk/access-to-work to learn more.
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodivergentEngineers #InclusiveEngineering #EngineeringCommunity
The scheme was able to provide Sam with equipment including noise cancelling headphones and dictation software, and even a specialist ADHD coach.
Head to our blog to read Sam’s story: tinyurl.com/mxvan444
It offers grants, not loans, so you don’t have to pay the money back.
We spoke with Sam, an engineer with ADHD, to learn about her experience using the Access to Work scheme.
Access to Work is a government scheme that helps you get into work or stay in work.
Depending on your needs, it can fund things like:
• specialist equipment or software,
• job coaching or support workers,
• support at interviews,
• travel if public transport isn’t an option
Did you know, if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you could be entitled to a government grant to make your work easier?
If you’re neurodivergent, disabled, or have any long‑term health condition, this could make work so much easier.
www.youtube.com/shorts/HjTWL...
And there are tools and methods that can help: like visual supports and assistive technology.
To learn more about dyscalculia, head to Foothold’s Differently Wired Hub: tinyurl.com/42y3968d
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodivergentEngineers #InclusiveEngineering #Dyscalculia
It has nothing to do with intelligence. It’s simply a difference in how your brain handles numerical information.
Many people with dyscalculia are strong in verbal reasoning and creative problem solving.
So you might find things like:
• mental arithmetic,
• telling the time,
• understanding measurements,
• or estimating distances,
more difficult than other people.
It can impact daily life – things like budgeting, navigating transport, or remembering your PIN on your phone.
Do numbers make you feel stressed or confused?
Let’s talk about dyscalculia.
Dyscalculia is a learning difference that affects how your brain processes numbers and quantities.
www.youtube.com/shorts/B11il...
If you’re looking for support with Tourette’s, or if you just want to learn more, go to Foothold’s Differently Wired Hub: tinyurl.com/42y3968d
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodivergentEngineers #InclusiveEngineering #Tourettes #EngineeringCommunity
Many people with Tourette’s are highly focused, resilient, observant, and creative problem-solvers - skills that are so valuable in engineering.
People with Tourette’s may need more flexibility, tic breaks, or quiet spaces at work.
You might find yourself exhausted at the end of the day because of that extra effort.
People with Tourette’s often face social stigma, which can make everyday situations stressful. But Tourette’s doesn’t define someone’s personality.
These might include:
• Blinking or facial movements
• Shoulder shrugs or head jerks
• Humming, sniffing or throat clearing
• Or repeating words or phrases
Tics can change over time, and they often get stronger when you’re stressed, tired, or trying hard to hold them in.
When you hear ‘Tourette’s’, what comes to mind?
Some people assume it’s about random profanity - one of the least common symptoms.
Tourette’s is a neurodivergent condition that causes tics - sudden, repeated movements or sounds that you can’t fully control.
www.youtube.com/shorts/6AnE_...
There are tools, technologies and tactics to help you thrive with dyslexia.
To find tools, support, and real stories from engineers with dyslexia, go to Foothold’s Differently Wired Hub: tinyurl.com/42y3968d
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodivergentEngineers #InclusiveEngineering #Dyslexia
Having it does not affect your intelligence. It’s a difference in the way your brain processes information.
Many dyslexic people are strong storytellers, presenters and creative thinkers, and many excel in engineering design, systems thinking and innovative problem solving.
You might get letters mixed up, especially ones that look similar.
But you might also find it hard to:
• remember a set of instructions,
• plan and organise your time,
• or tell left from right
Do words ever seem to move faster than your brain can organise them?
Let’s talk about dyslexia.
Some people think dyslexia just affects spelling. But what is it really?
If you have dyslexia, you might find reading or writing more tiring.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0Ox...
For more support with neurodivergence in engineering, go to Foothold's Differently Wired Hub: tinyurl.com/42y3968d
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodivergentEngineers #InclusiveEngineering #RSD #ADHD #Autism #EngineeringCommunity
RSD is a neurological reaction.
It’s common in people with ADHD, and can also be a trait of autism.
It can also bring about imposter syndrome, where you might avoid putting yourself forward for opportunities at work or your place of study.
You might notice that you:
• Feel deeply hurt by small criticisms.
• Avoid trying things in case you get it “wrong”.
• Feel sick and anxious when you get an email or voicemail.
• Replay conversations for hours in your head
Does a simple comment ever hit you way harder than it should?
If so, you might relate to this.
RSD, or rejection sensitive dysphoria, is an intense emotional response to rejection.
This can happen whether the rejection is real or perceived.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aokH...
Want to dive deeper? Visit Foothold’s Differently Wired Hub for more info about dyspraxia, and support for neurodivergent people in engineering: tinyurl.com/42y3968d
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodivergentEngineers #InclusiveEngineering #Dyspraxia #EngineeringCommunity
There are strategies and adjustments that can help you with coordination and organisation.
Your workplace or place of study should be able to offer you support.
You may need more time to learn new physical skills, or feel more tired than others.
But it can also affect things you might not expect. Like:
• organising your thoughts,
• planning your day,
• or breaking down projects into steps
In engineering, thinking differently can be a massive strength.
Do you ever feel like your brain knows what to do - but your body takes longer to catch up?
Let’s talk about dyspraxia.
Dyspraxia affects the way your brain plans and coordinates movement.
Balance, spatial awareness, and writing by hand might take more effort.
www.youtube.com/shorts/m5EtU...
It is a wonderful act of generosity to leave a gift to improve the lives of people you've never met. This selfless show of solidarity with the engineering community is a fitting legacy from people who have led long and fulfilling careers within it.
Gifts in Wills are often the biggest donations people will ever make to Foothold. They play a huge role in supporting our work each year.
Last year we received 10 legacy gifts. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has made a gift in their Will, or is considering doing so.
If you know any former or retired members, please remind them that we're here.
To find out more, go to www.myfoothold.org/support
Due to our limited funds, our grants are subject to income, savings, and eligibility criteria
#engineers #engineering #support
