Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.
‘Neurodiversity’ means that different people have different brain wiring. Those with a minority brain wiring – such as dyslexic, autistic and dyspraxic people – face discrimination at work and in wider society.
Thank you to Colette Marquess, a PCS union representative in Belfast, for writing this report after attending the Neurodiversity in the Workplace course run by Janine. To book a course with Janine, click here. I recently attended a 2-day course … Read More
Janine addresses the protest in support of Osime Brown outside the Home Office on Friday 4 September – includes the poems Free Osime Brown and Bearing Down. Please sign Osime’s petition here.
I’m Janine Booth. I’m autistic, and I write and deliver training courses to trade unionists and others about autism and neurodiversity. As part of the courses, we look at real-life case studies of neurodivergent workers’ experiences. It is important to … Read More
This is the French text of Janine’s talk in Paris on 24 July. You can see the English version in this video. Originally posted by CLE Autistes, with other speeches at the event, here. Janine Booth : les politiques socialistes … Read More
Janine Booth speaking at a seminar in Paris on 24 July 2019. This opening section of the talk introduces Janine, and explains the five key principles of the Labour Party Autism and Neurodiversity Manifesto.
Fatima’s autism makes her hypersensitive to bright lights, so she can’t work in our office, poor thing. OR The bright lights in our office make Fatima distressed as she is autistic and unusually sensitive to light. She can work here … Read More
Judy Singer, Fergus Murray and Janine speaking at Ideas For Freedom 2019.
Nick Cohen’s article, ‘The Road to Hell for the Mentally Incapacitated’ takes two facts, and argues that one causes the other. The two facts are true, but his attribution of one to the other is mistaken. FACT 1: Autistic, mentally-impaired … Read More
Dear ‘Autism Parent’ When I found out that my son was autistic, it changed my world. I didn’t know anything about autism at that point. I and his dad wanted to know as much as we could find out. … Read More
Since autistic activist Judy Singer coined the term ‘neurodiversity’ some twenty years ago, it has facilitated a great enlightenment and a progressive new approach to the experiences and rights of autistic and other neurologically atypical people. It is now facing … Read More
Autistic, dyspraxic, dyslexic and other people with atypical brain wiring have particular experiences under capitalism. These experiences have positive and negative aspects, and for many people include distress and disadvantage. What are the roots and the causes of this experience? … Read More
This is the speech I gave at the fringe meeting at Labour Party conference on 25 September 2018 about the draft Labour Party Autism / Neurodiversity Manifesto. A lot has happened since I said to John McDonnell at a … Read More
Neurotypicals Seem odd because they can’t see The trees for the wood
The government’s consultation on transport accessibility has extended its deadline to Wednesday 22 November. Anyone can submit their views. RMT has made a submission and leafleted everyone at the recent Disabled People’s Summit asking them to submit evidence in support of retaining … Read More
RMT’s Disabled Members’ Advisory Committee met for the second time on Wednesday 13 September. 1. Committee membership We welcomed new members to the Committee, and completed the election of our Liaison (conference arrangements) Committee. 2. Guest speaker: Transport … Read More
At this year’s RMT AGM, I spoke in favour of a resolution from the union’s Disabled Members’ Conference calling on the union to adopt the social model of disability. The resolution was passed unanimously. This is what I said. RMT’s … Read More
Statement by the TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee to TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, 18 May 2017: There will be a general election on Thursday 8 June. Whatever the circumstances under which it was called, it is an opportunity for voters … Read More
Molly choked On her voddy and coke When Pat told her the Tories’ intention To unlock her pension Not to mention Their plans for social care Grow old if you dare Mrs May says It’s her lucky day Molly can die in … Read More
Published on PCS website, 3 May 2017: PCS recently held its second Neurodiversity In The Workplace course, with plans to hold the two-day course in every PCS region and nation this year. The course, tutored by Janine Booth, teaches reps and … Read More