How Converge is helping neurodivergent people access IT

Information technology is part of everyday life, shaping how we work, learn and communicate. Around 1 in 7 people in the UK — roughly 15% of the population, or about 10 million people — are estimated to be neurodivergent. When digital tools are designed and used flexibly, they can remove barriers and give neurodivergent people more control over how they access information, organise tasks and connect with others.

IT adaptations can help neurodivergent employees work more effectively by reducing barriers related to communication, organisation, concentration, information processing, and sensory sensitivities. These tools enable individuals to work in a way that suits their needs, improving productivity, reducing stress, and helping them perform to the best of their ability while ensuring an inclusive and accessible working environment.

Supporting different ways of working

IT can make working and learning more adaptable. Remote access, recorded sessions, collaborative platforms and personalised settings allow people to create routines and environments that suit their needs. Automation can also reduce repetitive tasks, freeing time and attention for creative or higher-value work.

Inclusive IT is not about finding one solution for everyone. It is about offering choice and flexibility so that people can use technology in ways that help them participate independently, confidently and effectively. 

Doing our bit!

To do our part towards supporting Neurodivergence, we donated two Lenovo ThinkPad Laptop’s refurbished by our in-house teams to CANDO! CANDO are a Wales based organisation which is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and supports autistic, ADHD and other neurodiverse people across Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Cardigan. They offer patient, friendly access to technology can help someone fill in forms, write letters, access services, communicate, learn, build confidence and feel less excluded.

Here at Converge, one of our Values is Closing the Digital Gap; allowing access to IT and skills development is an important part of what we do. We have partnered with Thriiver, an organisation dedicated to building inclusive workplaces and providing individuals support at work, who have allowed us to create training modules that support the use of accessibility features in Windows 11. We are also an accredited Disability Confident Employer which demonstrates our commitment to recruiting, retaining and developing disable people. 

And speaking of writing letters, we received a very kind letter written to us from Jeremy Rundle, Founder & Volunteer Chair. He said, “You said our original letter was people-centred, and your response has been every bit as people-centred in return. These laptops will not sit in a cupboard. They will be used, shared and put to work helping real people.” It was great to see the work that CANDO are doing, and we are looking forward to seeing the laptops in action!