A Day Out at Google HQ
In January 2025, I was invited to Google HQ in London to visit their Inclusion and Diversity Innovations Lab. The visit was organized by the lovely people at Estu who also facilitate the leadership course I’m currently enrolled on. I was joined by some truly inspiring individuals from different corporate backgrounds, from Bloomberg executives to innovation managers. At first, I felt a little out of place among such accomplished people, but then I reminded myself that this was an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow. It was also an opportunity to find out more about how technological innovation supports those with neurodiversity challenges—something that is close to my heart.
Inclusion, Diversity & Technology
So, what did I learn? For one, technology has come a long way and our perception of neurodiversity in individuals has completely shifted compared to 50 years ago. Even for me, growing up with dyslexia in the 90s and 00s, technology wasn’t advanced enough to make a difference. For example, we didn’t have smart phones so personal technology wasn’t available to support me. However, with the innovations that have taken place over the last 20 years technology has advanced rapidly, and I was impressed by new innovations that were introduced to me at Google.
I was most impressed and surprised by the innovation that has taken place in gaming, which has developed to enable those with disabilities to participate and enjoy playing games that were inaccessible to them. We learnt about the updates that allowed a blind person to complete the game The Last of Us Part II, which is a complex, puzzle-driven zombie game. I didn’t know that this was possible and was amazed at how the makers were able to make the game accessible. I had already known that there were ways for deaf players to experience games, but I had never considered how a blind person could play something so intricate. And yet, with the right technology, they can. It wasn’t their blindness that made the achievement extraordinary—it was the way technology has advanced so rapidly, allowing everyone to participate.
Then came The Big Red Button. This was one of the most fascinating things I saw—a device designed to make complex gaming accessible for people with disabilities, including those who might struggle with traditional controllers. The button allows those with physical disabilities who can’t use the traditional controllers to use their elbows to play these games. Seeing how it worked made me realize something—I had underestimated just how much the world has evolved to be more inclusive.
Innovation and education
As we completed the tour, I thought about how innovation alongside education and awareness has changed the way we perceive neurodiversity. There are incredible tools out there to support so many different needs, and I am excited to see how these tools are further developed and used. However, this innovation must come with continued education and awareness which is key to changing people’s views on neurodiversity.
It might be interesting to you to know that the term ‘neurodiversity’ is new for me despite my experience being neurodiverse, and I wonder how well it is understood in society. Certainly, within large businesses it is now a core element of expected corporate behaviour, but how much is it understood in SMEs and within society more broadly?
Although improved technology would have been immensely helpful when growing up, I attribute my success because of the people around me. My support system—my family, friends, and teachers—played the biggest role in shaping my journey. I feel incredibly lucky to have had that.
An example that sticks with me is my oldest friend, who used to quietly whisper words to me in class when I struggled to read aloud. It was such a small gesture, but it saved me from humiliation and gave me the confidence to keep going. I don’t think I’ve ever properly thanked him, but I really should. Other kids in my class didn’t understand my challenges, and I was always conscious that they thought I was stupid which hugely affected my confidence.
I also wonder whether smaller businesses have a sufficient understanding of neurodiversity or are equipped to support neurodivergent staff. SMEs often have less experience with neurodiversity and do not have the same resources and policies that are available to larger companies. It shouldn’t make a difference the size of a company, but unfortunately it is not always the case.
So here’s the question I left Google with—should innovation be paired with education about neurodiversity? For me, the answer is obviously ‘yes’. Technology is an amazing tool, but it’s only part of the solution. Awareness, education, and empathy are just as important. My experience at Google’s Inclusion and Diversity Innovations Lab was incredibly interesting and has given me a new perspective about the potential of new technologies. I am looking forward to continuing my journey to better understand neurodiversity.