The first data programme for neurodivergent women.
Why this programme was needed
57% of employees in the tech industry don't disclose their neurodivergent conditions.
51% feel they can’t or shouldn't disclose their neurodiversity due to the stigma
There also remains a huge gender gap with women in data roles.
We saw that a programme for neurodivergent women was needed. So we designed this programme - which was the first of its kind.
The programme took place over 15 weeks, and was a combination of online and in-person classes at the Flour Mill co-working space in Dundee.
“The aim was not only to get women into the tech industry, but also help them build resilience and become more confident in the workplace.” - Bianca Peel.
The co-creators of the programme
Here's how she's co-created our latest programme - to support neurodivergent women. ⤵️
Programme delivery
"Using Moodle as our platform, we’ll ensure clear, structured content with easy navigation, breaking down complex topics into manageable steps to reduce cognitive load. We’ll offer multiple formats—like videos, text, and interactive elements—to suit different learning styles."
How will participants be guided along the programme?
"We’ll prioritise clear communication, consistent instructions, and reminders to aid focus and organisation, along with flexible deadlines where possible. By fostering an inclusive environment with personalised support, we aim to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent participants.”
Bianca Peel co-created the programme with a focus on human skills. Here’s why:
Why we blended human skills with technical training
Almost any digital role requires some data-know-how, but companies need employees to beyond this... Those who can translate data, into nuggets of insight - will stand out from the crowd as candidates. Human skills like communication, critical thinking and analysis - are as crucial, as technical ability.
We blended human skills, technical training and real world projects - with weekly career mentoring sessions. So learners were genuinely employable by the end of the training.
The modules
It was trauma-informed, taking into account the many lived experiences neurodivergent women have had.
There's was a big focus on confidence boosting & resilience
It's the culmination of months of research. Accessibility specialists, collaborating with data and learning experts, to create something genuinely impactful.
It’s delivered in a clear way. So much thought has gone into making the design accessible. There's also a range of learning methods to choose from, such as audio + visual learning.