Date: Thursday 3rd December 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Weightmans, No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB
Cost:
£20 Non Member +VAT
Challenging Assumptions: From Stereotypes to Strengths
To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this event will move the conversation beyond awareness to explore how organisations can build truly inclusive workplaces for disabled, neurodivergent colleagues.
Through lived experiences, practical examples and employer insights, attendees will examine the barriers that assumptions and stereotypes can create, while gaining a deeper understanding of the skills, strengths and innovation that disabled and neurodivergent individuals bring to the workplace.
Our panel of speakers will share personal experiences and professional insights on:
- Assumptions people make about disability and neurodiversity
- The impact of stigma in the workplace
- Hidden disabilities and navigating disclosure
- How inclusive employers unlock talent and potential
- Practical workplace adjustments that make a difference
- Leadership, resilience and career success
- Common mistakes organisations make when approaching inclusion
- Examples of what organisations do well and lessons learned
This event is for anyone who wants to create a workplace where people can thrive. You will leave with fresh perspectives, practical insights and a better understanding of how challenging assumptions can help unlock potential, improve wellbeing strengthen teams and drive business success.
About The Speakers
Claire-Marie Boggiano
STRIDE Facilitator & Leadership Coach
Claire-Marie is a Chartered Engineer holding an MBA from Manchester Business School. Claire-Marie is a guest lecturer in Change Management and Entrepreneurship at Manchester Business School. She is the alumni lead for MBS Women Leading in Business group and regularly hosts the Institute of Directors Women’s Forum in the North West. Claire-Marie is a committee member of the IoD Manchester and has recently commenced working with EEF The Manufacturing Organisation to raise the profile of Women in Engineering. Claire-Marie is an expert in Change Management for many years and delivers the Day 3 workshop of the STRIDE programme – Oakridge’s 6 month leadership programme for female middle management development. Her workshop focuses on the managing business aspect. This is the final element of the programme and supports women attending to learn more about how they can impact their organisation, bring others with them and to become a role model for others. Claire-Marie is a member of the Manchester City Council International Women’s Day Steering Group. To any challenge Claire-Marie brings energy, focus and action. Her core skills include “breaking eggs”, “building gladiators” and “making connections”. Claire-Marie believes organisations and teams succeed by working with the imagination and talents of their people.