29 June 2024<\/strong> \u2013 NeurodiversAtSea, a pioneering organisation dedicated to promoting neurodiversity in maritime industries, is proud to announce its official registration as a charity in the United Kingdom. The Charity Commission has granted NeurodiversAtSea the registered charity number 1208735.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NeurodiversAtSea was established to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by neurodiverse individuals within maritime sectors. The organisation focuses on fostering inclusivity, providing tailored support, and advocating for policies that recognise and harness the strengths of neurodiverse talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are thrilled to achieve this significant milestone,” said Daniel Smith, Chairperson of NeurodiversAtSea. “Becoming a registered charity in the UK not only validates our mission but also enhances our ability to drive positive change within the maritime industry. This status will enable us to expand our programmes, reach more individuals, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodiverse professionals at sea.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The newly acquired charity status will empower NeurodiversAtSea to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NeurodiversAtSea invites supporters, industry partners, and the wider community to join them in celebrating this achievement and to support their ongoing efforts to champion neurodiversity in maritime industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information about NeurodiversAtSea and how to get involved, please visit www.neurodiversatsea.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
29th February 2024: Neurodiversatsea, the seafarers\u2019 neurodiversity charity, today broadly welcomed the Maritime Skills Commission\u2019s Human Skills and Behaviours Report- February 2024.
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We welcome the Maritime Skills Commission\u2019s call for \u2018promotion\u2019 to attract a neurodiverse skills base and for the industry to be \u2018inclusive of people with autism, of different cultures, with disability [and]- neurodiversity (sic)\u2019. We celebrate the acknowledgement that \u201cneurodiverse (sic) individuals are often particularly suited for jobs where intense focus is required,\u201d and invite engagement with the concept of \u2018spiky profiles\u2019 and the current research base on the much broader variety of strengths and occupational characteristics associated with neurodivergent seafarers.
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However the Commission\u2019s assertion that \u201cNeurodiverse (sic) seafarers could be better supported with their additional needs and work could be done to help them achieve their full potential\u201d must be urgently amplified. In fact, aside from examination provision, we find no evidence of systematic workplace adjustments, ISM mechanisms or STCW leadership competence in place to support the potential quarter of seafarers who may have been diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition, including dyslexia, autism and ADHD. In the seagoing context, we find no evidence for the report\u2019s claim that \u201cneurodiversity is now better supported.\u201d This deficit is likely to result in systemic discrimination, individual breaches of disability legislation \u2013 and to lost talent and potential.
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We welcome the sentiment that \u201cThere may currently be more suitable opportunities for neurodiverse and physically diverse people, due to the trend to work from home, negating the need to commute to work,\u201d noting the potential relevance of MASS and remote technologies to seafarers with technical aptitude and strong interests. However, we note the rich neurodiversity of seafarers, and the already frequent incidence of neurodivergence. We therefore call for availability of reasonable adjustments in the existing seafaring workplace, including accessible technologies, training and Universal Design.
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Neurodiversatsea therefore echoes the call for \u201cmore understanding and research about diversity and in particular, neurodiversity\u201d and agrees with \u201cthe importance of treating people as individuals, accepting that not everyone will \u201cfit the same mould.\u201d We therefore invite the Commission to engage with Neurodiversatsea, and with our research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
www.NeurodiversAtSea<\/em><\/strong>.org<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notes to editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NeurodiversAtSea was established in 2022. Its founding documents and charitable purpose can be accessed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NeurodiversAtSea.Org founding document<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Images are available on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NeurodiversAtSea Launches Neurodiversity Benchmark Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4th<\/sup> October 2022: NeurodiversAtSea, the seafarers\u2019 neurodiversity charity, today announced the launch of its first annual Neurodiversity Benchmark Survey. The survey aims to gather data in support of a maritime neurodiversity strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The survey can be found here: https:\/\/forms.gle\/2FJHXz53DFYBHvur6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
About NeurodiversAtSea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
www.NeurodiversAtSea<\/em>.org<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notes to editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NeurodiversAtSea was established in 2022. Its founding documents and charitable purpose can be accessed below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Images are available on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan@NeurodiversAtSea.org<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
James@NeurodiversAtSea.org<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n