Ep 89 : Part 3 Creating Inclusive Workplaces at Toyota: Neurodiversity, Universal Design & Communication Styles
Dear Dyslexic PodcastShow Notes
In Part 3 of our Neurodivergent Women in STEM series, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Diana from Toyota to explore how neurodiversity, universal design, and communication styles shape inclusive workplaces.
Together, they discuss Toyota’s broader DEIB approach, practical workplace accommodations, hybrid work, onboarding around working styles, and why reframing neurodivergence as a strength benefits everyone. Diana shares how a remote test-trip scenario led to universal accommodations portable toilets, better catering for cultural needs, and a new standard process of asking all staff about requirements improving comfort and experience for the whole team despite initial pushback. They discuss reframing neurodivergence as a strength (creativity and connecting the dots), workplace supports like wellness and quiet rooms and hybrid work, and the value of managers researching and enabling tools such as Grammarly and writing aids. The conversation highlights onboarding around working styles, focusing on strengths over weaknesses, and raising awareness of different communication styles, masking, and “tone” policing.
Key message Inclusive workplaces are built when neurodiversity is understood as a strength, communication styles are respected, and universal design is used to support everyone.
Time Stamp 00:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic 00:34 Neurodiversity at Toyota 02:11 Inclusive Test Trips 04:31 Strengths and Workplace Design 06:27 Universal Accommodations 08:11 Onboarding for Working Styles 10:54 Communication Styles and Tone 15:43 Masking and Fatigue 18:26 Language and Interrupting 19:51 Wrap Up and Resource
About Dear Dyslexic Podcast The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/
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