Neurodiversity Charter

Milton Keynes

Introduction

STAGE 1 – The Umbrella Display

The umbrella display served as a catalyst for change, featuring stories from local people designed to challenge preconceptions, celebrate differences, and dispel myths.

Echoing the impact of the rainbow-coloured canopy of 400 umbrellas installed in Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, which captivated thousands of visitors for six months following its launch in March 2025, this vibrant installation celebrated and embraced neurodiversity in Milton Keynes.

The display has now been taken down as part of the centre’s 25th anniversary celebrations but keep your eyes peeled for the umbrellas around Milton Keynes

STAGE 2 – The Legacy – Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter

Our team of volunteers for the Milton Keynes Umbrella Project recognised that changing perceptions is a longer-term commitment, based on a legacy that extends beyond the umbrella display.

Stage two is the start of a shift in culture towards becoming a neuroinclusive city. It is underpinned by the guiding principles in our Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter – which can be adopted by any individual, group, or organisation, school or business, that is committed to ensuring inclusivity and celebrating difference is embraced across Milton Keynes.

The Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter is driven by the principal aims of the MK Umbrella Project:

To EDUCATE – through providing more knowledge, myth-busting and sharing lived experiences

To ADVOCATE – by reframing perspectives and shifting the narrative to acceptance and support.

To CELEBRATE – by shining a light on strengths and the positives of differences.

The Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter

To Educate

Strengthen the knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity by continually learning and developing.

Commitment To Educate by:

a) Developing and maintaining knowledge and understanding in your community (eg your school, workplace)

b) Respecting and accepting the differences of the neurodivergent community

c) Being curious and open-minded always

d) Sharing resources and best practice

To Advocate

Champion neurodiversity to help Milton Keynes become a neuroinclusive city to live, work, and play.

Commitment To Advocate by:

a) Committing to neurodiversity-affirming practice

b) Welcoming and embracing lived experience, perspective and voices

c) Making reasonable adjustments and inclusive spaces

d) Embracing a culture with opportunities for inclusive conversations

To Celebrate

Celebrating neurodiversity by positively elevating neurodivergent perspectives.

Commitment To Celebrate by:

a) Creating opportunities to celebrate differences

b) Sharing and celebrating the positives and benefits of difference

c) Engaging with wider neurodiversity social movements

d) Regularly monitoring and sharing progress

It’s FREE to sign the Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter to join the commitment for change. You can do this as an individual, school, business or any organisation.