Divergently Together is a socially-engaged, shared-island, creative community engagement project exploring the intersections of neurodiversity, climate change, art and technology.

Climate change disproportionately affects disabled communities, leading to frequent eco-ableism. However, people with lived experience of disability possess vital skills and characteristics that could greatly enhance climate mitigation strategies. Led by AlanJames Burns, Divergently Together bridges the gap between diverse communities affected by climate change and local authorities who shape policy.

By working directly with neurodivergent participants and policymakers, the project builds mutual understanding and equips decision-makers with tools for accessible, inclusive communication. This collaboration ensures climate strategies are grounded in lived experience and better reflect the needs of as many people as possible.

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Unmasking Nature is an evolving, multi-part project led by AlanJames Burns exploring sensory stimulation and the diverse ways people connect to the natural world around us.

Our society, which often demands conformity, causes many people to mask their true selves. Being in nature offers radical relief: acceptance without judgment and unconditional belonging.

Unmasking Nature draws connections between neurodiversity and biodiversity, inviting us to recognise difference as something that can enrich the world around us. By recognising ourselves as part of nature, we can begin to better understand, value and care for the ecosystems we depend upon.

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Through Divergently Together, we have built an ecosystem bringing together our neurodivergent community, our neurodivergent team, artists, researchers, scientists, local authorities, climate action stakeholders, policy makers and government representatives across the intersections of neurodiversity, climate change, art and technology.

At the heart of this ecosystem is our neurodivergent community from the Cavan, Fermanagh and Omagh region, whose lived experiences, knowledge and perspectives are central to shaping the work. Led by artist AlanJames Burns through Rinn AI at Dublin City University, we work alongside Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Cavan County Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, and wider policy and government stakeholders.

Together, these different perspectives and areas of expertise create opportunities to share knowledge, learn from one another and bring neurodivergent perspectives into climate action and policy, helping to shape a more accessible and just transition to a sustainable future.

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