ADHD Awareness Month talks
Register for my upcoming talks on ADHD
Hey ADHDers!
I feel like it’s been forever since I last caught up with you, my bad!
I had a very busy October due to ADHD Awareness Month!
On one hand, I’ve really enjoyed being able to speak to people about ADHD, on the other hand, I’ve had to keep my energy levels up throughout the month - which hasn’t been easy.
Well, that’s enough of me whingeing! Who wants to hear all about the talks I’ve given?
If you stick around until the end, you’ll find registration links to TWO public talks I’ll be giving this month.
1. FACEBOOK: “Black, Disabled & Overlooked”
I had the honor of speaking to Facebook employees alongside amazing panelists for FB’s Black History Month UK event. The theme of the event was to acknowledge our journey, appreciate our community, and accelerate our momentum.
This event meant a lot to me because I was able to talk about my experience of being a Black woman with ADHD in the workplace. I’ve noticed that intersectionality isn’t spoken about a lot in the online ADHD community - we should change that.
I spoke about:
Competing barriers - Being a young Black Woman with ADHD, including the cultural stigmas of ADHD.
Digital platforms - The important role they have played in connecting with other adults with ADHD, and raising awareness.
Neurodiversity in the workplace - Practical tips on how to be a good ally, accommodations for employees, and how I disclosed my diagnosis at work.
A massive thanks to the good people at Facebook for organizing this event. They were really nice, accommodating and showed genuine passion for this topic.
2. UBISOFT: “ADHD by ADHDers”
I have had almost every single game console from the Sega Megadrive to the Nintendo 64, and currently a PS4. I LOVE VIDEO GAMES!!!
I was doing backflips when Ubisoft invited me to be a panelist for their ADHD by ADHDers event. Pre-diagnosis, I used video games as a form of coping strategy to get things done.
I spoke about:
Advocacy - How I became an advocate by accident, and how much advocacy means to me.
ADHD in the workplace - What employers can do better to meet the needs of ND employees and how ADHDers can thrive in the workplace.
ADHD and Video Games - My experience of playing video games and how developers/game designers could make games more ADHD-friendly.
I really enjoyed being on a panel with ADHDers who I have admired for so long! It was such a good chat and it flowed seamlessly. Big thanks to Ubisoft for the invite! I tried my luck by asking Ubisoft whether I could test to future games….. you never know 😉
ARE YOU STILL WITH ME?
3. TWITTER: “Men & Mental Health”
Although this was not an ADHD awareness event, I was able to shed light on my struggles with anxiety, which I believe is largely due to having undiagnosed ADHD for most of my life. Since being diagnosed with ADHD last year, I’ve seen some improvements, but I still have work to do to unlearn habits and certain behaviours.
A massive shoutout to the other panellists for being so open and vulnerable. Also, thanks to Twitter Blackbirds for recommending me!
4. MCM COMIC CON LONDON: Neurodiversity panel
HEY NOW, HEY NOW, THIS IS WHAT DREEEAMMSSS ARE MADE OF 🎶
Judging everyone who has never seen the ‘Lizzie McGuire’ movie.
I have always wanted to go to Comic Con. I just never had anyone to go with.
So when I was invited as a panelist to speak about ADHD, I broke out in a praise dance!
My biggest surprise was having people come up to me after the talk to tell me that they bought a ticket to see me. Also, that my online content has helped them so much!
The room was packed and there were still a couple of hands up for questions but we ran out of time, unfortunately. The good news is, the video will be up on YouTube!
I spoke about my ADHD journey, ADHD representation in TV/Film, and creating content.
5. National Centre for Learning Disabilities: “Celebrating Forces for Change” Benefit
Tuesday 9th November 6:30 PM ET - 7:15 PM ET
I’ll be talking about the future of advocacy, and how we in the online ADHD community can use our voices to impact change. Massive shoutout to my fellow panellists who also create online content in the ND space.
If you weren’t able to catch any of the talks I gave last month, you can register for this free event here: bit.ly/RachForces4LD
6. Neurodiversity In The Workplace - “Bridging Gaps in Workplace Inclusion”
Friday 19th November 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Where are all my fellow 9-5ers at!?
I’m super excited to be the keynote speaker for this nonprofit business consultancy that has been doing a lot of great work in this space. This includes working with organisations (Dell, SAP, Bank of America, etc) on Neurodiversity hiring programs.
I haven’t come across many organisations that help Neurodivergent adults enter the workforce. So I’m really keen to make sure many people in the Neurodivergent community are able to attend. Other speakers will be speaking about dyslexia and dyspraxia.
I would love to connect with you all during the event. You can register for this free event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neurodiversity-rising-bridging-gaps-in-workplace-inclusion-tickets-193663963127
I’m still feeling overwhelmed by the number of speaking opportunities I’ve had this year. When I was diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type in January 2020, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I felt alone, a little embarrassed, and confused.
I get dozens of DMs and emails from people thanking me because my content helped them to get their ADHD diagnosis. I want to use my voice, my experience, my reality, to help as many people as I can.
That’s all for me folks!
Rach, with ADHD.