As a part of National Inclusion Week, we have Atif Choudhury, the co-founder and CEO of Diversity and Ability, sharing an interactive perspective on the diversity of thought and the experiences we would not have gained in the world if certain people didn't make their thoughts and differences known. The talk will explore the richness of difference and all the good that can come when people are made to feel psychologically safe and welcome.

Atif Choudhury is an award-winning social entrepreneur, with a background in economic justice and disability inclusion projects. Focusing on the inclusion of marginalised communities, Atif has worked on high profile social development projects across the world. He is the co-founder and CEO of Diversity and Ability and Zaytoun CiC (the World’s first Fairtrade Palestinian olive oil cooperative), as well as a trustee for Disability Rights UK.

Speaker biography

Winner of the 2018 Global `Equality and Diversity Noon award, Atif Choudhury is an award-winning social entrepreneur, with a background in economic justice and disability inclusion projects. Focusing on the inclusion of marginalised communities, Atif has worked with a number of high profile grassroots social development projects across the UK, the Middle East and Asia. He is the co-founder and CEO of Diversity and Ability (D&A) and Zaytoun CiC (the world’s first Fairtrade Palestinian olive oil cooperative), as well as serving as a trustee for the anti-poverty charity War on Want. He was a shortlisted finalist as “Entrepreneur of Excellence’ for the 2019 National Diversity awards and remains a trustee of the pan-disability charity Disability Rights UK.

The change Atif would like to see in the world is one that raises the strength of inclusion through intersectional lenses. He believes in pushing for a future of inclusive change and broader equality. He is adamant that poverty, class, race, gender and culture must be part of the systems that work to welcome the diversity of thought and the hidden assets in everyone.

Diversity and Ability (D&A), is a disabled-led social enterprise, which has supported over 20,000 marginalised and neurodiverse individuals using (assistive) technology, mentoring and tailored strategies. Through one-to-one sessions, company-wide workshops and consultancy, D&A works with organisations to implement inclusive practices that enhance the diversity of their workforce, inspiring culture shifts that boost productivity and retention.

Recognising the importance of celebrating difference, D&A works with marginalised long-term unemployed and homeless communities, as well as government agencies, charities, universities and think tanks. Drawing on lived experiences, D&A transforms outdated understandings of disability, promoting accessibility and equality wherever they go.

In recognition of their ongoing work in providing free Neurodiversity support for those impacted by learning isolation and socio-economic exclusion, D&A were shortlisted finalists of the 2019 Uk Inclusive Companies awards. For their work in responding to Covid-19, Diversity and ability were awarded the greatest impact from the RIDI Awards. There are also awarded and recognised as 2020's UK disability consultancy of the year.

Atif Choudhury presents on diversity & inclusion