Carole is an Autistic, Dyspraxic adult, who is awaiting an assessment and diagnosis of ADHD.
When Carole joined DCC she didn’t have her autism diagnosis but was employed within the supported employment service of the council, Durham Enable, where she was recognised as neurodivergent, welcomed and celebrated for the strengths this brings for her and others. Previous roles have included Careers Adviser, Connexions Adviser, Community Development Worker and Primary School Teacher.
“As an employee I feel seen, supported, and safe, which was not always my previous experience. As a result, I have found success in my role, supporting disabled and neurodivergent adults into employment, and educating colleagues, managers, and employers about neurodiversity and how to enable people who think differently, to be, and achieve their best. People are really listening and adapting to help neurodivergent people find the safety and acceptance that they need to gain their own success.”
Testimonials about Carole’s work:
“Really informative and has challenged my thinking around the language I use. Carole was highly knowledgeable and an engaging speaker, I found her presentation incredibly valuable to my work.” Durham County Council (Education)
“Carole is an engaging and insightful speaker who has an amazing ability to simplify a topic as complex and sometimes intimidating as neurodiversity. I came away from the event with a much better understanding of not only what neurodiversity means but how to better adjust my workplace processes to support people moving forward.” Sunderland Software City
“Very thought-provoking session and extremely well ran, thanks Carole!” NHS Business Services Authority
Durham Enable is the supported employment service for Durham County Council. Currently funded through the Connect to Work Programme via the North-East Combined Authority, which focuses upon supporting disabled adults into work using Job Coaches, supported employment values, techniques and methodology.
To access the service, individuals need to be 18, want to work, be a resident in County Durham, consider themselves to be disabled, neurodivergent, have a mental health condition or a learning disability. Within Connect to Work, there is an additional retention project for staff already in work who may have challenges linked to their disability in the workplace.
www.durhamenable.info https://www.facebook.com/DurhamEnable/
https://x.com/DurhamEnable https://www.instagram.com/durhamenable/?hl=en