Shaping Inclusive Systems with Universal Design
Work’n’Diversity CIC was founded with one clear outcome: universal design. We believe true inclusion doesn’t come from patching gaps, but from reshaping the systems where we all work, learn, and live. Our training, consultancy, and creative programmes are tools to help organisations move closer to systems that sustain themselves: where no one is left behind.
The Cost of Exclusion
WHY WE’RE HERE
Current systems too often exclude neurodivergent people. The result? Wasted talent, higher turnover, rising stress, and costly conflict that affects individuals, organisations, and society as a whole.
At Work’n’Diversity, we exist to change that. Our outcome is clear: systems built with universal design — where neurodivergent people, and everyone else, can thrive. When workplaces, schools, and communities are designed inclusively from the ground up, everyone benefits.
What We Mean by “Neurodivergent”
DESIGNING SYSTEMS FOR EVERY KIND OF MIND.
“Neurodivergent” is an umbrella term for people whose brains process, learn, and experience the world differently. It includes autistic people, ADHDers, dyslexic and dyspraxic thinkers, people with Tourette’s, and many more.
Being neurodivergent is not a disorder to be “fixed.” It’s part of the natural diversity of human minds. Just like biodiversity makes an ecosystem stronger, neurodiversity makes our workplaces, schools, and communities richer.
At Work’n’Diversity, we use the term “neurodivergent” deliberately. It recognises both the strengths and the challenges that come with different ways of thinking, and it rejects the idea that difference equals deficit.
For us, neurodivergence is not just something to be “accommodated.” It’s something to be designed for. That’s why universal design sits at the heart of everything we do.
Our Story
BORN FROM EVIDENCE AND EXPERIENCE, BUILT TO RESHAPE SYSTEMS.
Born from both evidence and experience, built to reshape systems
Work’n’Diversity was born from two journeys: one of research, and one of lived experience.
During her MSc and PhD, our co-founder (almost Dr) Marilla Bianco spoke with autistic people across the UK and worldwide about their mental health and quality of life. Again and again, employment emerged as the critical issue: talented people excluded, under-employed, or misunderstood. When Marilla turned to employers, she found the other side of the story: fear, uncertainty, and a lack of tools to support neurodivergent talent. The gap was undeniable.
At the same time, co-founder Yuri Fantozzi was living that gap firsthand. Newly diagnosed with ADHD, he had secured a job he was passionate about, only to discover that without clear adjustments and open communication, keeping it was impossible. His struggles in the job market mirrored the very stories Marilla was hearing in her research.
Together, they saw the same truth from different directions: individuals and organisations needed a bridge. A space where fear could give way to understanding, and where neurodivergent people could not only work, but thrive. That bridge became Work’n’Diversity CIC.
From the beginning, WnD has grown through collective experience. As volunteers and team members joined, each brought their own story of navigating neurodivergency and employment. Our work is no longer just one researcher’s findings or one person’s struggle: it is a chorus of voices, shaped by evidence, creativity, and lived reality.
Today, WnD stands as a neurodivergent-led social enterprise with one mission: to redesign systems so that no one is left behind.
How we work
OUR PPROCESS PROMISE
We listen first.
INSPIRE
Every organisation, school, or community has its own story. We take the time to understand your structure, culture, and goals. Listening deeply ensures that the work we do is grounded in your reality, not assumptions.
We tailor everything.
DIAGNOSE
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. By combining lived experience, research, and creative practice, we design approaches that respond to your unique needs. Every step is co-created with you.
We create lasting change.
ACT
Quick fixes don’t reshape systems. That’s why our work is always focused on embedding inclusion into everyday practice. From leadership training to culture change, our goal is to leave you with tools that last long after our project ends.
Meet the Team
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Marilla Bianco
CEO & FOUNDER
Marilla is a psychologist and neurodivergent advocate with over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals. Autistic, researcher, and social entrepreneur, she brings together academic expertise in psychology and lived experience of navigating neurodivergence at work to drive evidence-based change. At WnD, she leads on research, strategy, and employer partnerships, ensuring every programme is grounded in both evidence and empathy.
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Yuri Fantozzi
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Yuri drives WnD’s innovation and good practice, keeping projects on track and ensuring our operations are sustainable. A creative facilitator and ADHD advocate, he combines lived experience with years of community work to design innovative, engaging initiatives that make neuroinclusion meaningful, sustainable, and accessible for organisations and communities alike.
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Ren Balzano
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Giuseppe is a storyteller and adventure writer who believes in the power of narrative as a tool for connection and inclusion. At WnD, he leads our creative initiatives, including Roll for Inclusion, using storytelling and role-play to create spaces where diversity is valued and celebrated. Through his work, he promotes dialogue and empathy, offering a thoughtful and sensitive approach that fosters integration and cooperation.
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Rebecca Sargo
FUNDRAISING & PARTNERSHIP LEAD
Rebecca leads WnD’s fundraising and partnership development, helping us grow our impact and sustainability as a social enterprise. With a background in community engagement and a passion for inclusive practice, she supports initiatives like Roll for Integration and drives campaigns that connect our work with wider networks of support.
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Sanjana Pillai
VOLUNTEER RESEARCHER
Sanjana holds an MSc in Investigative and Forensic Psychology and has a strong interest in understanding human behaviour through research. Her late ADHD diagnosis gave her a personal connection to neurodiversity and shapes how she approaches her work. She has experience as a prison custody officer, trauma-informed custody navigator, and mentor for ex-offenders.Outside of work, she enjoys dogs, books and baking.
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Our Volunteers!
WHAT DRIVES OUR MISSION
Our volunteers are essential to our mission, offering passion, lived experience, and diverse skills to support our initiatives.
They contribute through workshops, mentoring, outreach, and event support, helping to create inclusive and empowering environments.
From awareness to action: building workplaces that include everyone.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
With growing recognition of neurodivergent talent in the workforce, it is essential that workplaces evolve to provide genuine support and accessibility. We ensure that employment pathways are tailored, impactful, and fully inclusive, helping both neurodivergent employees and employers build sustainable, thriving workplaces.
Are you an employer?
OUR WORK WITH EMPLOYERS
At Work’n’Diversity, we don’t just talk about inclusion — we live it.
Supporting employers is at the heart of what we do because we want to see your company thrive.
Our team brings lived experience, professional expertise, and creativity to every project we take on. While our work spans communities, schools, and research, a core part of our mission is helping employers build workplaces where neurodivergent people can thrive.
We can’t do it without you.
HOW TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION
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Become a Partner
Collaborate with us to create more inclusive workplaces and lead the way in supporting neurodivergent talent.
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Volunteer with Us
Share your time or skills to help us deliver meaningful change and empower neurodivergent individuals.
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Make a Donation
Support our work by contributing—every donation helps us reach more people and expand our impact.
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Share Our Story
Help raise awareness by sharing our message and encouraging others to champion inclusion and diversity.
OUR PARTNERS & COLLABORATIONS
Help us create a world where everyone can thrive.
Join us and help us bridge the gap between employers and neurodivergent employees.