Leading Voices in Neurodiversity and Disability Inclusion: Profiles of Change-Makers
In a world increasingly attuned to the importance of inclusive spaces, the demand for expert voices who can speak from both lived experience and professional excellence is rising. Across business, education, media, and public policy, neurodiversity and disability inclusion are no longer niche concerns—they’re strategic imperatives.
These topics also align with broader shifts in the speaker landscape. According to industry data, organisations are increasingly seeking problem-solving thought leaders—not just inspiring personalities. Speakers are now expected to deliver long-term value aligned with today’s most urgent challenges.
Trends in the UK Speaker Landscape (2025)
Booked-for-the-future speakers: According to JLA’s July 2025 booking data, clients increasingly choose speakers who help organisations navigate complexity, change, and build resilience—rather than just inspire entertainment.
Actionable, ROI-driven content: Keynotes must now go beyond motivation. Audiences expect speakers to deliver frameworks, mindset shifts, and applicable strategies that create measurable value.
Dominant topic areas: Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, employee connection, ethical leadership, and disruption continue to shape keynote agendas. These themes reflect a clear shift toward future-focused, insight-driven content.
In that context, we spotlight the following UK-based speakers who are driving change in the fields of neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and systemic equity. All are available through the exclusive speaker agency Kruger Cowne.
Spotlight: Neurodiversity & Disability Inclusion Advocates
Jess Meredith – Neuro-Inclusion Strategist & Social Entrepreneur
Specialty: Workplace neurodiversity, inclusive leadership, mental health advocacy
Market Group: Corporates (HR, DEI leads), Educational Institutions, Health & Tech Sectors
Jess Meredith is a neurodivergent leader and founder of Differing Minds CIC. She blends storytelling with inclusive strategy to help leadership teams rethink culture, engagement, and wellbeing. Her work champions authentic policy changes to support neurodiverse employees and customers.
Charlie Hart – HR Inclusion Specialist & AuDHD Advocate
Specialty: Autism, ADHD, workplace equity, psychological safety
Market Group: HR Professionals, People Teams, Equality & Belonging Campaigns
Charlie Hart brings an intersectional lens to neurodiversity. As a late-diagnosed AuDHD individual and seasoned HR leader, she equips organisations with the insight to attract, retain, and support neurodivergent staff through inclusive recruitment and mental health-conscious design.
Shani Dhanda – Disability Rights Campaigner & Cultural Inclusion Expert
Specialty: Disability justice, intersectionality, inclusive design
Market Group: Public Sector, Cultural Institutions, DEI Panels, Social Impact Leaders
Recognised by the BBC and Shaw Trust, Shani Dhanda is a disability inclusion expert with deep insights into race, class, and gender-based equity. She founded the Asian Disability Network and continues to lead conversations that move beyond representation toward real systems change.
Damian Milton, PhD – Autism Researcher & Theorist
Specialty: Autism, communication theory, inclusive education
Market Group: Academic Institutions, Educational Policy Forums, Research Conferences
Dr. Milton’s groundbreaking “double empathy problem” theory reframed how society understands autistic communication. He brings academic rigour and lived experience to educators, policymakers, and clinicians seeking better pathways to inclusive environments.
Frances Ryan – Disability Rights Journalist & Policy Critic
Specialty: Media representation, disability policy, austerity critique
Market Group: Media Outlets, Think Tanks, Public Sector Bodies, Universities
Author of Crippled and a leading columnist, Frances Ryan delivers sharp insights into the structural disadvantages disabled people face. Her voice is critical to understanding social justice in an age of rising inequality and political inaction.
Aquayemi-Claude "Lord Akinsanya" Akinsanya – Youth Disability Activist & Neurodivergent Leader
Specialty: Autism, youth leadership, race & disability advocacy
Market Group: Youth Programs, Community Organisations, Schools, DEI Events
With a growing platform and legal activism experience, Lord Akinsanya advocates for intersectional inclusion. His campaign work focuses on educational access, cultural equality, and empowerment for neurodivergent young people—especially within Black communities.
Keely Cat-Wells – Creative Inclusion Entrepreneur & Disability Advocate
Specialty: Disability visibility in media, inclusive talent development, mental health
Market Group: Creative Industries, Brand Campaigns, Entertainment & Media Conferences
Founder of C Talent, Keely Cat-Wells is revolutionising how the media industry approaches disability. She advises global brands and entertainment platforms on inclusive hiring, accessibility, and public narrative. A passionate storyteller, she helps reshape how disability is seen—and heard.
Conclusion
These speakers bring expertise that goes beyond inspiration—they offer insight, strategy, and credibility across multiple sectors. Whether your focus is equity in tech, mental health in leadership, or inclusive storytelling, this group is positioned to deliver transformative value. All are exclusively represented by Kruger Cowne.
