Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154

As you may recall, our final episode of 2023 was part one of our
conversation around neurodiversity and parks and recreation. It
was a wonderful conversation with Kande Jones, the Development
Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission, and Dave McDaniel,
the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and
Recreation about their experience as neurodivergent individuals.
Well, we’re finally back with part two of the conversation!


The inspiration for these episodes came from a 2023 NRPA Annual
Conference session, “Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces:
Insights from Park and Recreation Professionals.” The session
explored the individual strengths neurodivergent professionals
bring to their work and the strategies and accommodations that
have helped them succeed, as well as ways to find workplace
champions and allies.


The presenters also offered suggestions for how organizations can
better support and include neurodiverse individuals in the field
in a number of ways, and we’re excited to chat with two more of
the presenters on the show today: Tammy Schwab, manager of
education and outreach for the resource management division of
Fairfax County Park Authority in Virginia, and John McGovern,
principal-in-charge for The WT Group, LLC Accessibility Practice.


Tune in to our conversation below to hear from Kande and Dave as
they share their experience as neurodivergent individuals and how
it relates to their careers in parks and recreation. You’ll also
learn:


·        How a career in parks
and recreation can contribute to a positive working environment
for neurodivergent individuals


·        Some of the
challenges neurodivergent individuals face in the workplace (and
solutions!)


·        How leaders,
coworkers and peers can create a culture of belonging and safety
for neurodivergent staff


·        What it meant to
Tammy and John to have the opportunity to discuss neurodiversity
at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, and much more!


Related Links:


·        Building Belonging:
Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) —
Episode 148


 
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