At Understood, we believe in being an example of the change we want to see. This means demonstrating our mission of building awareness and of supporting and advocating for people with learning and thinking differences in all aspects of life, including at work. Today, we’re taking the next step in our efforts to make workplaces more equitable, supportive, and productive for all by launching a comprehensive suite of products and trainings to promote disability and neurodiversity inclusion.

There are more than 70 million people in the United States with a learning or thinking difference, like ADHD and dyslexia. That’s 1 in 5 of our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and peers. 

But while learning and thinking differences are common, our workplaces often aren’t shaped for people with them. According to Understood’s “Employee DEI Experience” research, 64 percent of employees say their employer values diversity and shows it in their actions — but of that group, less than half (47 percent) say their company specifically supports or empowers neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, 61 percent of managers and 51 percent of HR professionals have never participated in disability inclusion training, according to Understood and Society for Human Resource Management’s Employing Abilities @Work Report.

As companies focus on improving their rhetoric and actions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Understood’s workplace program helps organizations account for neurodiversity by breaking down stigma and misconceptions, educating staff, and enhancing the capabilities to implement disability inclusion. 

“When we build our workplaces to be inclusive of those with learning and thinking differences, we’re also building a more equitable and supportive environment for all,” said Yvonne Cowser Yancy, Understood’s chief administrative officer and head of workplace. “Our workplace products and training programs are designed to provide companies with all of the tools they need to foster a culture in which everyone can thrive.”

Understood’s workplace offerings include:

• On-demand training: A self-paced, scalable online training with an evidence-based curriculum. Users create a customized experience that works best for them.

• Virtual live training: Interactive training led by disability inclusion experts. Learners practice inclusive behavior and get tips and tools to use on the job.

• Workplace assessment and action plan support: An in-depth analysis of processes, practices, and documents. Companies get a detailed plan to make their workplace more inclusive.

Expanding your DEI initiatives to be more inclusive of neurodivergent talent is not easy, but it’s never been more important — and Understood is here to help. Learn more and sign up for Understood’s disability inclusion workplace program at understood.org/workplace.