What happened during Neurodiversity Pride Day & ND Pride Week 2021?

Neurodiversity Pride Day 2019: We’re All Nuts – Celebrating Neurodivergent Friendship 

On June 18, 2019, the Netherlands celebrated its second Neurodiversity Pride Day, a day dedicated to embracing neurodivergent identities and fostering understanding across neurotypes. Organized by the Neurodiversity Foundation, this event with activities in 4 cities, highlighted the strengths, talents, and connections within the neurodivergent community. With events taking place in Rotterdam, Amstelveen, Den Haag, and Utrecht, Neurodiversity Pride Day 2019 served as an alternative to conventional “awareness” campaigns for neurotypicals, focusing instead on acceptance, pride, and the positive impact of neurodivergent people in society.

A Mission of Inclusivity and Celebration

Neurodiversity Pride Day was founded on the belief that all neurodivergent individuals deserve a day to be celebrated for who they are, rather than being depicted negatively in awareness campaigns. With a mission to bridge the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical communities, the Neurodiversity Foundation created this day to promote acceptance, equality, and pride. Neurodiversity Pride Day 2019 focused on the theme of Neurodivergent Friendship, emphasizing the value of friendships that honor authenticity and embrace differences.

Highlights and Activities Across Cities

Neurodiversity Pride Day 2019 featured a variety of engaging activities, from conferences and showcases to creative workshops, each designed to celebrate neurodivergent identities and promote meaningful connections. Here’s a look at some of the event highlights:

• Amstelveen Conference – The day cloed off with a conference in Amstelveen, where neurodivergent and neurotypical attendees gathered for talks and discussions on neurodiversity. This conference provided a platform for neurodivergent individuals, speakers,  advocates, and allies to share insights.

• Technology Showcase in Rotterdam – In Rotterdam, participants explored a technology showcase that unveiled two new prototypes designed to support neurodivergent needs:

  • Signs The new neurodivergent-friendly Sign Language, co-created by the foundation, and a visual communication tool specifically developed for and by neurodivergent individuals. The first tests were made, to create a new sign for the word ‘pride’

• Video Series Presentation in Utrecht – Utrecht hosted the premiere of the Powerfully Different video series, a project that highlighted personal stories and perspectives from neurodivergent individuals. These videos provided an honest look into the lives and experiences of neurodivergent people, encouraging viewers to see the strength and value in neurodivergent perspectives.

• Neurodiversity Address in Amstelveen – Assistant Professor Jelle van Dijk delivered the second-ever Neurodiversity Address, offering powerful insights into neurodiversity and technology. His speech underscored the importance of a human centred approach in tech. 

• Workshops in Amsterdam about neurodivergent strenghts, in cooperation with partners. 

Signature Initiatives and Community Outreach

In addition to these key activities, Neurodiversity Pride Day 2019 featured several unique initiatives designed to promote neurodivergent pride and visibility:

• Political Advocacy Discussion – Neurodiversity Pride Day also included a discussion on the neurodiversity political agenda in the Netherlands. This session focused on how the neurodivergent community and its allies can work to influence policy and create more inclusive environments in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. The first NIP Award was received by a politican that gives hope to neurodivergent voters. 

• The We’re all buts campaign, had many social influencers showing their ND Pride on Instagram.

Ambition, Impact and Future Goals

The first Neurodiversity Pride Day in 2019 drew over 200 participants and reached an estimated 10,000 neurodivergent individuals through partnerships and promotional support from organizations like the Dutch Autism Association (NVA). Social media and local networks played a key role in raising awareness, creating a foundation for future Pride Days and helping shift perceptions of neurodivergent individuals from “different and strange” to “unique and valuable.”

The ND Pride Team envisions Neurodiversity Pride Day as an annual celebration, akin to LGBTQIA+ Pride, that grows each year to encompass more voices, stories, and perspectives. Key goals for future editions include: Developing partnerships and friendship with neurodivergents and organizations proactively supporting neuroinclusion to advocate for neurodiversity-inclusive policies and practices in schools, workplaces, and communities.

A Day of Pride, Acceptance, and Community, for ALL Neurodivergent Kind

Neurodiversity Pride Day 2019 proved to be a meaningful, positive step forward for the neurodivergent community in the Netherlands. But this event, was only happening in 1 country: this had to change, the NDs all around the world deserve a same day. It provided a platform for neurodivergent individuals to express pride in their identities, to celebrate friendships that honor and embrace neurodivergence, and to push for greater inclusion across all areas of society. As this annual event continues to grow, the Neurodiversity Foundation made a commitment to its vision of a future where neurodivergent individuals are celebrated and respected for the unique perspectives and strengths they bring to the world. And ND Pride, should be created for all nations, and then the UN.

The longterm plan, was crafted. 

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Annual Keynote

Professor Jelle van Dijk gave the annual keynote adress, at that time still known as the “Neurodiversiteitsrede”, of the 2019 edition.

Find out more about the event