Neurodiversity Focus Group Re: Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall

The Sikh Human Rights Group (NGO with Consultative Status at the UN)

Please join our discussion about how Gurdwaras across the UK can further support those with special educational needs or disabilities

UB2 4NP

Have your say on how we can improve the accessibility of Gurdwaras for those with lifelong neurodiverse characteristics or disabilitiesThis coffee morning is an opportunity for parents and carers of those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities and members of general Sangat (congregation) to come together to discuss how Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall and other Gurdwaras across the United Kingdom can best support them and their families. Aims and Objectives of this Workshop Aim: To learn from members of the Sangat what they feel needs to be put in place in Gurdwaras to support those with SEN or disabilities. Objectives:(1) What are the access needs of neurodiverse individuals who are attending a Gurdwara?(2) How can we best meet these needs as fellow members of the general Sangat within the Gurdwara?(3) How can we continue to bring awareness about neurodiversity and disabilities as well as implement support within our wider Sikh community?Address: Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall (Downstairs Libary), Guru Nanak Road, Southall, UB2 4NPN.B. Wheelchair access is available Sikh Neurodiversity NetworkWhat do we believe? According to GurSikhi: Every life is an expression of Waheguru, in a diversity of forms, abilities, temperaments and characters.Neurodiversity is another manifestation of mental pluralism in human life.Not all children are the same. Not all children behave in the same way. Not all children have the same mental approach towards life, education, learning skills and social interactions. However, society often seeks uniformity and in some instances demands conformity. However, with so much neurodiversity within our general society, this inevitably results in misunderstandings, tensions and sometimes sadness when those who want conformity seek to change those who may be perceived as ‘different’. This in turn further marginalises those who may not be perceived as ‘neurotypical’. Nevertheless, with a little bit of understanding these tensions can easily be overcome and society, groups and people can function extremely well as supportive and cohesive communities.What do we want to achieve? The Sikh Neurodiversity Network is currently working towards establishing a network of support from Sikh community institutions, particularly Gurdwaras, for children with lifelong neurological characteristics such as Autism.Therefore, the primary objectives of this project are to:(1) Increase understanding within Gurdwaras of neurodiversity.(2) Enhance the skills of some key members of Gurdwaras and Sikh community institutions in neurodiversity with the focus initially on Autism.(3) Establish a London wide, and later a nationwide, network of support for Sikh families with neurodiverse children.(4) Increase general society understanding, engagement and support.<ol></ol>Gurdwaras and Sikh Community InstitutionsAll Sikhs and many non-Sikhs seek closeness with ‘Waheguru’ from the teachings and guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib through the GuruDawara, the open doors that the Sikh Gurus provide to people of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities.The greatest ‘Sewa’ of those serving the Guru in Gurdwaras is to ensure that the doors of the Guru are always open, welcoming and accommodating for all people irrespective of their abilities and capacities so that they feel embraced by the Guru. Therefore, it is important that no one feels marginalised or excluded simply because they ‘think’ differently or behave differently or prefer silence or feel uncomfortable with ‘strangers’.In our collective experience, Sikh religious and community leaders have consistently demonstrated vast amounts of empathy and sympathy towards those from diverse backgrounds including neurodiversity.However, Gurdwaras and other Sikh community institutions often lack the formal infrastructures (systems and policies) necessary to support those with lifelong neurological characteristics such as Autism. However, this issue is prevalent across society or is by no means solely applicable to Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions.There is also currently very little general society awareness of the issues surrounding neurological conditions such as Autism let alone support from community-based projects and organisations - We aim to and will change this!

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