Katherine McCord

The concept of universal design is a long-standing IT and Architectural principle based in inclusion and sustainability which has yet to be applied to workplace design... until now. Join this interactive innovation-focused session to learn all about creating effective, sustainable inclusion while increasing productivity up to 33% and profits an average of 19%! Why does it work? People cannot reach peak performance without working in ways that are natural to them. We will be covering concepts and resources to implement universal workplace design across your organization from hiring to leadership training to policies and procedures. We will even teach you how to change accommodations into standard options to ensure your team works effectively and comfortably. This is true workplace innovation that increases team wellness, retention, creativity, and productivity. Let's get universal!

Have you ever looked at a peer and thought, "Well, they're different!" It could be that they are neurodiverse. The neurodiverse community is one of fascinating and sometimes complex attributes, and this presentations provides a fun deep dive into this curious community. Difference is not a deficit, and we will cover how disability plays a role in the neurodiverse world, but it is only a part, not the whole. The science behind the benefits of neurodiversity is staggering, so we will also focus on the benefits and intricate elements of various diagnosis and manifestations. You will learn to best communicate and interact with Human Octopuses, as well as practical, immediately actionable solutions for welcoming them into your realm. Join me for a peak into the world of Human Octopuses!

Did you know that over 40% of the population could benefit from some type of accommodation!? It's true! Sadly, most employees and candidates will not ask for the things they need due to fear of discrimination and the complexity of the process. So how do you fix this? ... By making accommodations standard options! This presentation will take you through the why and how of this simple step toward true inclusion!