Construction Inclusion Week 2025: Toolbox Talk 10

Supporting People with Different Abilities and Neurodivergent Thinking Styles

Embracing disability and neurodiversity is a key part of building a stronger, more innovative construction industry.

This conversation helps teams understand what disability and neurodivergence mean and how diverse minds strengthen our workplaces and crews. Engaging in this  discussion teaches inclusive practices that support cognitive and physical diversity, helping people recognize barriers and advocate for accessible environments on the jobsite. The ultimate goal is to build a culture where everyone can contribute their strengths to the project.

PILLAR ALIGNMENT: Attract & Retain, Belonging & Workforce Culture, Commitment & Accountability

Sample Activity Options

JOBSITE ACTIVITY

Use drawings, models, or step-by-step checklists for key tasks.

OFFICE ACTIVITY

Review how you give directions: Is it verbal-only, or backed up in writing and visuals?

School/Community Activity

Partner with schools that support students with disabilities or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Group Activity

Each person shares a myth about disability they have heard, and the truth behind it.

Discussion Questions

A great project needs a wide range of tools, and a great crew needs a wide range of minds. We’ll explore how we can build a more welcoming environment for people who think and move differently. We’ll talk about what physical or cultural barriers we might be overlooking and how we can make space for different kinds of strengths on the team. The goal is to reinforce that every person’s unique way of working is a valuable asset, so we can build a stronger, smarter, and more efficient crew together.

  • What does inclusion look like for people who think or move differently?
  • How can jobsite and office environments be more welcoming to neurodivergent individuals?
  • What barriers; physical or cultural; might we be overlooking?
  • How do we make space for different strengths, not just speed or volume?
  • What can we do this week to make the job more accessible for everyone?

Start planning your Toolbox Talk Activities now! Download this Toolbox Talk below or download the full set:

Download Toolbox Talk 10 Download All Toolbox Talks

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Opening Doors through Mentorship

Mentor your crew to build a stronger team

Sparking Early Interest in the Construction Industry

Build a talent pipeline by inspiring the next generation

Respect and Inclusion on the Jobsite/ Workplace

Create a respectful crew for a safer jobsite

Career Re-entry

Build your workforce by giving second chances

Building an Inclusive Site Culture

Reinforce an inclusive crew with everyday actions

Mental Health in Construction

Promote mental well-being to build a safer jobsite

Psychological Safety in Construction

Constructing a Culture of Trust and Safety

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Harness athletic talent to strengthen your crew

Construction Careers for Veterans

Framing Opportunities for Veterans in Construction

Supporting People with Different Abilities and Neurodivergent Thinking Styles

Different minds, same mission: a stronger crew

Small Actions, Big Impact

Small actions build a stronger jobsite culture.

Bridging Generations: Respecting Differences, Building Together

Uniting Crews Through Generational Understanding

Economic Opportunity - Broadening Opportunity for Qualified Suppliers

Expanding Possibilities Through a Broad Supplier Network
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