This is a thought that has long been at the back of my brain, and it is here in this experiment where it starts to take shape. Throughout life we collect labels. We’re born with them. Some are given to us, some we chose ourselves. Some are said lovingly, others hatefully. there are labels we reject, labels we want to reclaim. Labels that help us belong. Labels that made us feel more alone and stigmatised.

Some of those labels shape the way people perceive us, labels that leave us pigeon-holed and overlooked. Others that mean we are seen as difficult, complex or maybe we just aren’t seen at all. Labels that leave us confused and sometimes needing guidance.

I have many labels, some of them I have struggled with. I am passionate about making life better for other people and helping them develop and that’s what this* is about. Amongst those labels are neurodivergent and disabled. Coming to terms with those labels has made me very passionate about accessibility, inclusion and most of all equity. I may not always advocate for me, yet I will wholeheartedly advocate for others.

I am an experienced educator, fascinated by well being, learning and development. I spent many years specialising in barriers to learning and understanding how technology and support can help people overcome those barriers. I love to share my experience and learn from others in equal measures. I’m a neurodiversity and inclusion trainer, that’s a label I’m really keen to lean into more.

There’s a lot I still don’t know or need to define. One thing I know really confidently is that I am greater than all of my labels.

* I haven’t yet defined what this is, fancy supporting and following me along that journey?