Southampton’s Womble Bond Dickinson launches Neurodiversity Umbrella Project

Published by

Daniel Face

Jessica Tresham, WBD Partner and Diversity and Inclusion Board Sponsor

Southampton-based law firm Womble Bond Dickinson has launched the Umbrella Project, which sees colourful umbrellas installed across its UK offices, to coincide with Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

The vibrant new additions highlight neurodiversity as an ‘umbrella’ term for a number of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia.

This comes as a collaboration between the ADHD Foundation and WBD’s Disability Network, chaired by Legal Director Michelle Essen. With more than 80 members, the Network promotes accessibility and drives inclusive policy development at the firm.

Michelle said: “Around one in five people is neurodivergent and yet there are still many misconceptions and a lack of understanding about what being neurodiverse means.

“Marking Neurodiversity Celebration Week with our eye-catching umbrella project is about acknowledging that not all disability is visible, openly supporting and embracing those who think differently, and recognising the many talents and strengths of people who are neurodiverse.”

The Disability Network is itself under an umbrella of diversity and inclusion groups at the firm, alongside WBD Pride, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Thrive, which promotes women’s career development.

Recent initiatives have included the adoption of #CamelCase, a system which makes hashtags easier to read for those with dyslexia and vision impairments.

Paul Stewart, UK Managing Partner at WBD, said: “Diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our business and values. Womble Bond Dickinson has an inclusive and progressive culture that nurtures equality, fairness and respect for all.

“Underpinned by our ongoing #beyourself campaign, our people feel empowered to bring their full selves to work in a firm that embraces difference and individuality.”

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.