Navigating Big Changes: How Policy Shifts Impact the Neurodivergent Community
This week has brought significant changes in the U.S., leaving many in our community feeling uncertain and worried about what’s happening. Nobody has all of the answers right now but we felt it was important to provide information about how some of these changes might impact the neurodivergent community, especially when it comes to your careers.
Understanding Recent Policy Changes
Let’s dive into some of the major policy changes and what they mean for the neurodivergent community and other marginalized groups.
1) Termination of Federal DEI Programs
The elimination of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs is a significant loss for the neurodivergent community. These programs provided critical resources like workplace accommodations, advocacy, and mentorship, helping neurodivergent employees thrive. Without them, many individuals may face increased risks of discrimination and reduced opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, this decision sends a concerning cultural message, potentially discouraging similar initiatives in private organizations. The potential impact of these changes are likely to apply to all federal vendors and contractors.
2) Rollback of Remote Work Policies
An executive order now requires federal employees to return to in-person work, ending remote work arrangements. For neurodivergent individuals, remote work offered a controlled, less stressful environment to thrive. The loss of this flexibility may lead to increased anxiety, sensory overload, and productivity challenges for those who relied on remote setups. These "return-to-office" policies are intended to push or encourage remote employees to quit, as reported in various media outlets. Administration officials have openly acknowledged in a December 16 press conference that if people don't return to the office, "they're going to be dismissed.”
3) Dismantling the Department of Education
The threatened dismantling of the Department of Education could have profound consequences for neurodivergent adults. Many rely on accommodations and support provided under programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures access to tailored education and resources. Without federal oversight, these protections could vary drastically by state, leaving gaps in access to necessary accommodations during critical transition periods, such as moving from school to the workforce. This lack of consistency could limit opportunities for skill development, job readiness, and higher education success, disproportionately affecting neurodivergent individuals who already face significant systemic barriers.
4) Broader Impact on Marginalized Communities
These immediate and potential changes do not simply affect individuals in isolation. These changes create ripple effects across families, workplaces, and communities. For neurodivergent individuals, losing access to accommodations, protections, and inclusive environments can make navigating these spaces much harder. And for those who are also part of other marginalized groups, like the LGBTQ+ community, the impact is even more profound.
How ND Works Is Helping
At ND Works, we’re committed to supporting you during these challenging times. Here’s how we’re stepping up:
1) Providing Resources
We’re working as fast as we can to create and will share informational resources to help you navigate policy changes, breaking down what they mean for you and what your rights are. We’re also in the process of organizing additional specialized workshops and resources focused on career development and job-related challenges, such as managing workplace stress, advocating for accommodations, self-accommodations, and helping navigate the new changes to survive and thrive.
2) Career Coaching and Guidance
We know that many of you are concerned about how these changes will impact your careers, especially with remote work ending for many federal employees. Remote work has been a game-changer for so many neurodivergent individuals, and losing that option is tough. We can help you explore remote-friendly roles or find companies still committed to flexible work. We’re also offering coaching sessions to help you advocate for yourself in the workplace and navigate these transitions, including help regarding requesting workplace accommodations and understanding your protections under the ADA. We’re here to help you find the best opportunities for your unique needs.
3) Creating Virtual Support Spaces
Having a safe space to talk through what’s happening and share ideas with others who understand is important. We plan to start hosting more virtual peer support groups where you can connect with other neurodivergent adults, in similar jobs or roles, and share your experiences. These spaces will be for you, and we want to make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
4) Building Partnerships
We’re reaching out to inclusive employers to build partnerships and create opportunities for you. Whether it’s job placements, internships, or apprenticeships, we’re working to connect you with workplaces that value diversity and inclusion, even if it’s no longer mandated at the federal level.
5) Advocating for Policy Change
These changes can feel overwhelming, but it’s so important to remember that we can push back. We’re working on advocacy efforts to fight for the reinstatement of these protections and programs. Whether it’s writing letters, signing petitions, or amplifying your voices, we’re here to advocate for what’s right.
Stay Connected
Know that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with the resources and guidance you need to navigate these changes and keep thriving.
Our door is always open—if you’d like to connect, you can view our calendar at https://calendly.com/soundsense/ask-me-anything-intro/. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out; we’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel confident and empowered during this time of uncertainty.
Let’s move forward together. 💙