​Do you need to start your innovation journey?

​Are you ready to learn from expert lived-experience professionals in the disability and neurodivergence space? Are you prepared for the future of the workplace? Do you need to create a more inclusive work environment that actually benefits everyone?

​Join us for this one day conference and learn first-hand exactly what your need to know, right now, improving your knowledge of EDI, access and inclusion.

​Ideal for HR leaders, Talent leaders, line managers and business owners we’ll erase the confusion surrounding responsibility and requirements and shed some light on what breaking down the barriers actually means. 

​We’ll equip you with a diverse and intersectional offering of panel discussions, engaging talks, and break-out sessions that will leave you inspired, informed, and with clarity for the next steps on your journey to an inclusive work culture.

​Why is this so important?

​We’re bringing our expertise to Birmingham, the heart of the West Midlands region where:

• ​Disabled people account for nearly 1 in 4.

• ​73% of potential disabled customers experienced barriers on more than a quarter of the websites they visited.

• ​75% of disabled people and their families have walked away from business because of poor accessibility or customer service.

• ​The spending power of disabled people and their households is worth £24.9 billion annually.

​Statistics based on Purple Pound estimates and proportion of disabled people in West Midlands.

​What to expect?

​A one-day conference exploring topics including the reality of using AI in hiring, chronic illness in the workplace, reasonable adjustments, and neurodivergence in the gaming industry. Expect:

• ​A main auditorium

• ​​2 workshop breakout rooms

• ​​A sensory zone

• ​​A quiet space

• ​​A reverse jobs fair 

• ​​And a fully catered lunch. 

​Agenda

​With a line-up that's growing week-on-week, the SIC Conference 2024 is going to be our biggest event yet. Visit sicofficial.co.uk/sic-conference-2024 for an up-to-date breakdown of what we have in store!

​Full agenda to be supplied in advance of the conference.

​Accessibility

​Accessibility is vitally important to us at SIC. 

​All participants will be sent an Access Rider ahead of time with everything you'll need to know.

​We are delighted to welcome two BSL interpreters for the day and the interpreter will also be available for the networking sessions if required - please email hello@sicofficial.co.uk to request this service. Reserved front-row seating will be available for any attendees who feel they may benefit from this. Speakers will use mics. Unfortunately, no hearing loop is available.

​The only recorded session will be the Disabled Joy Podcast. 

​Three different sensory / quiet zones will be open and a further quiet lound will be made available. 

​Attendees and speakers will be seated for the panel discussion, and seating will be available throughout the event. There is no obligation to stay for the duration of the event - you are welcome to attend for parts of the day or for the whole day. 

​When people are speaking, if you wish to leave the room, please do so quietly so as not to disturb the speakers. 

​There will be no music, flashing lights, or loud noises in the main part of the day. We will have a performance at the end of the day - more details to follow. 

​Health and Safety

​We recognise that Covid is still having a serious impact on the disabled and neurodivergent community. We, therefore, ask that anyone experiencing symptoms not attend. There will be hand sanitisation available throughout the event. 

​If you’re unsure, please test. 

​Catering will be pre-packaged in a “packed lunch” style to prevent cross-contamination. 

​Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the conference

​Pricing 

​FREE - This event is made by and for the disabled and neurodivergent community. We therefore offer free spaces which will still include all the event content and a catered lunch. If you are a disabled or neurodivergent professional, you are not expected to pay. 

​£5 - If you can, a small donation towards lunch would be greatly appreciated. 

​£10 - This covers most of the catering costs. If you’re part of a small business, feel free to offer £10. 

​£20 - This is our recommended fee for professionals who are attending on behalf of their employers or businesses. This helps us to cover accessibility costs and catering costs. 

​£30 - If you are joining us from an organisation that can afford to pay more for this event, this will cover all of the associated costs of attending. 

​£30+ - If you’re from a large organisation and can afford to pay a bit more, this helps us to cover the catering costs of those who cannot afford to buy a ticket.