Let’s Talk Disability: Universal Design, Neurodivergence & Inclusive Collaboration
Download MP3In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Disability, host Professor Jackie Carter, Academic EDI Lead for Disability, is joined by Janine Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Technology and neurodivergent inclusion advocate, and Helen Brewis, Head of Colleague Wellbeing at the University of Manchester.
Together, they explore what it truly means to design inclusively—from classrooms to workplaces—and how universal design benefits everyone, not just those with visible or shared disabilities.
Janine shares her journey leading a three-year project on widening participation for neurodivergent students, developing academic training workshops, and advocating for “universal design for collaboration.” Helen reflects on the importance of psychological safety, flexible environments, and the role of leadership in fostering wellbeing.
This episode is a deep dive into:
- The lived experience of neurodivergent staff and students
- The power of inclusive teaching and assessment design
- Creating safe spaces for disclosure and support
- The ripple effect of staff networks and community-led change
- Moving from dialogue to action—what real commitment looks like
Whether you're an educator, student, manager, or ally, this conversation will challenge assumptions, inspire action, and offer practical insights into building a more inclusive university culture.
Dixon, J. (2025) ‘Widening Participation for Neurodivergent Students ITL Fellowship 2022-24 Project Report’. The University of Manchester. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15529531.
https://zenodo.org/records/15529531
Together, they explore what it truly means to design inclusively—from classrooms to workplaces—and how universal design benefits everyone, not just those with visible or shared disabilities.
Janine shares her journey leading a three-year project on widening participation for neurodivergent students, developing academic training workshops, and advocating for “universal design for collaboration.” Helen reflects on the importance of psychological safety, flexible environments, and the role of leadership in fostering wellbeing.
This episode is a deep dive into:
- The lived experience of neurodivergent staff and students
- The power of inclusive teaching and assessment design
- Creating safe spaces for disclosure and support
- The ripple effect of staff networks and community-led change
- Moving from dialogue to action—what real commitment looks like
Whether you're an educator, student, manager, or ally, this conversation will challenge assumptions, inspire action, and offer practical insights into building a more inclusive university culture.
Dixon, J. (2025) ‘Widening Participation for Neurodivergent Students ITL Fellowship 2022-24 Project Report’. The University of Manchester. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15529531.
https://zenodo.org/records/15529531
Creators and Guests
Host
Professor Jackie Carter
Academic EDI Lead for Disability, member of the Shaw Trust Power 100 for 2023. Author of Work Placements, Internships & Applied Social Research. Prof of Statistical Literacy. FaCSS, NTF. 1-in-20 Women in Data. Late Bloomer. @GM4Women
Guest
Helen Brewis
An Occupational Psychologist, with 20 years experience across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with a passion for creating environments where people can work at their best. My career has included roles at Department of Work and Pensions, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service / GMCA and Robertson Cooper (workplace wellbeing consultancy) - all with the thread of enabling individuals, teams and organisations to thrive at work. I'm currently Head of Colleague Wellbeing at the University of Manchester. I'm a Registered Psychologist with the Health Care and Professions Council and have achieved Chartered status with the British Psychological Society.
Guest
Janine Dixon
Janine Dixon SFHEA is a Senior Lecturer (Teaching and Scholarship) in the Department of Materials, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). Janine is dedicated to promoting active and inclusive scholarship practices both at the University and beyond. Her work focuses on widening participation for neurodivergent students in Higher Education, aiming to understand better the specific challenges they face while celebrating their strengths. Janine’s passion lies in creating environments that support diverse learning experiences, fostering equitable access and success for all students.
