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/
Stay Connected
Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...
Need Support?
If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
- re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327
