Shoppers in Watford town centre may get a surprise when they see rows of colourful umbrellas overhead.
The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project art installation is coming to Queens Road, by atria Watford, from July 27 to September 27 to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.
The vibrant brollies will be strung together overhead to represent how one in five people have a neurodevelopmental condition, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, or Tourette’s syndrome.
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Watford Town Centre BID manager Kara Mesiano said: “Our aim is to change the perception of neurodiverse/neurodivergent people and celebrate all the many strengths that come from thinking differently in our town.
“The vibrant art installation will provide a visually stunning backdrop to a great location within Watford town centre, but more importantly it will serve the purpose of raising awareness and educating the public on neurodiversity.
“A huge thank you must go to Watford town centre businesses for funding this project, many of which have relevant processes in place to welcome neurodivergent customers and staff members.”
The installation, introduced by the ADHD foundation, has already been put up in other towns and cities across the UK including Liverpool, Stoke, Cardiff and Aberdeen.
It will launch with a 45-minute event from 10am on Saturday, July 27. Stilt walkers and professional dancers will make use of the umbrellas to perform and entertain shoppers. Expert speakers from the area will also be part of the launch, including ADD-vance CEO Debbie Wood.
The Hertfordshire ADHD and autism charity’s CEO said: “As a local charity, ADD-vance is delighted to partner with Watford Town Centre to share our passion for neurodiversity.
“We are excited to be raising awareness of how thinking differently can be celebrated and embraced within families, workplaces and in our communities locally.
“The colourful Neurodiversity Umbrella Project helps to reflect the positives that embracing difference can bring.”
Watford Town Centre BID is also planning to offer extra business support and training for employers around hiring people with neurodevelopmental conditions.
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