Diversity & Community Health Equity

UI Health Honors Disability Employment Awareness Month: Neurodiversity at Work

This October, UI Health proudly celebrates Disability Employment Awareness Month by highlighting the strengths, perspectives, and innovations that neurodiverse individuals bring to our workplace and patient care. From addressing common barriers to creating inclusive environments, this event is designed to equip clinical staff and leaders with practical strategies to support neurodiverse colleagues and patients.

Innovation Through Inclusion

Neurodiversity—encompassing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and more—represents a powerful dimension of human difference. In healthcare, understanding neurodiverse experiences helps improve communication, enhance patient safety, and strengthen teamwork. This panel discussion, “Neurodiversity at Work: Innovation Through Inclusion,” will explore how inclusive employment practices and clinical awareness create better outcomes for both staff and patients.

Attendees will:

• Gain insight into the barriers neurodiverse individuals face in healthcare and employment
• Learn practical adjustments to foster more inclusive workplaces and clinical environments
• Discover ways to strengthen trust and communication with neurodiverse patients

Featured Event: Neurodiversity at Work: Innovation Through Inclusion

• Date: October 22, 2025
• Time: Noon – 1:30 PM (CT)
• Location: Hospital Room 1310 or Online via Zoom
• Register today!

Panel Discussion Topics & Speakers

Join a diverse panel of healthcare providers, workplace advocates, and community leaders as they discuss:

• Understanding Neurodiversity: What it is and why it matters in healthcare and employment.
• Workplace Barriers & Opportunities: How to create accessible systems that allow neurodiverse staff to thrive.
• Inclusive Clinical Practices: Adjustments that enhance patient communication, safety, and trust.
• Actionable Strategies for Clinical Staff: Steps you can apply immediately to improve inclusion and care delivery.

This session goes beyond awareness—it’s about practical change. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to support colleagues, improve patient experiences, and strengthen inclusive practices across UI Health.

• Join the first 60 minutes for panel presentations and Q&A.
• Stay for the final 30 minutes of interactive activity to apply inclusive strategies to real-world workplace and clinical scenarios.
• Refreshments will be provided.

At UI Health, we are committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity in every aspect of care and employment. We invite staff, clinicians, students, and community members to join us in celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month by building a more inclusive, innovative future together.

For additional information or to get involved, contact the Office of Diversity and Community Health Equity at UIHDiversity@uic.edu.

Archives

Read more about how UI Health highlights the strengths, perspectives, and innovations that neurodiverse individuals bring to our workplace and patient care.

• Disability Employment Awareness Month 2024