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Neurodiverse Safe Work - More Than Just Noise Cancelling Headphones

Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person Only
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
Prince Room

Overview

Ms Catherine Lee, The Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative


Key Learnings

1. An understanding of how common workplace practices can function as hidden hazards for neurodivergent workers. 2. A practical framework for identifying and reducing neurodivergence-related safety and wellbeing risks without requiring diagnosis or disclosure. 3. Clear, actionable strategies and a tool to help them identify and evaluate gaps in their current systems and design work that supports autonomy, predictability, psychological safety, and sustainable participation.


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Ms Catherine Lee
Director & Founder
The Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative

Neurodiverse Safe Work - More Than Just Noise Cancelling Headphones

Presentation Overview

This interactive workshop challenges the common misconception that neuroinclusive workplaces are achieved through a narrow set of individual adjustments, such as noise-cancelling headphones or flexible hours. While such supports can be helpful, they are often applied reactively and place the burden on neurodivergent individuals to disclose, self-advocate, and adapt to systems that were never designed with them in mind.

Using a neuroaffirming and safety-focused lens, this session reframes neurodivergence as a core consideration in the design of work, not an individual problem to be managed. Drawing on Work Health and Safety principles, organisational psychology, and lived-experience-informed practice, participants will explore how everyday workplace systems including communication practices, performance management, task design, training, and supervision can unintentionally create psychosocial and safety risks for neurodivergent people.

Through facilitated discussion, practical examples, and small group activities, participants will examine what “safe work” looks like for people who think, process, communicate, and regulate differently. The workshop introduces a systems-based approach that moves beyond disclosure-dependent accommodations toward proactive, inclusive design that benefits everyone.

Participants will leave with three key takeaways listed below under Presentation Key Learning.

This session is suitable for neurodivergent individuals, employers, managers, practitioners, and advocates seeking practical tools to create workplaces that are genuinely inclusive, safe, and supportive, not just well-intentioned.

Biography

Catherine Lee RN, DipOHN, GradCertMgt, GradDipOHS, MA (Res), ChOHSProf., is an Australian Occupational Health and Safety consultant with over 30 years’ experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors in Australia and the UK. She is the Founder of The Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative, a social enterprise focused on embedding neuroinclusive practice into WHS systems. Catherine holds a Master of Arts (Research) from Griffith University, examining the impacts of ADHD on the safety-related work of Australian pilots. She is a Chartered Certified OHS Professional and a member of AICD, IMC, ICF and AADPA.
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