Who We Are
Our Story
Illuminate Inclusion was founded by Miriam Saffer. Throughout a decade of working in education, Miriam witnessed the struggles faced by so many people trying to access support and navigate their way through complex systems. The need for holistic wrap-around care was evident yet, even when a family had a breakthrough with one service, they still faced an ongoing battle with another. At the same time, access to public spaces, including doctors’ surgeries, community centres, leisure facilities and restaurants, posed significant challenges to many people because of limited awareness of neurodivergent conditions and other disabilities. This lack of accessibility was leading many individuals and families to become increasingly isolated.
Shortly after leaving her last SENCO position, Miriam began delivering training on neurodiversity and inclusion. By raising awareness of what it’s like to live with a neurodivergent condition, she worked to help education and health care provisions become more inclusive for people who think and experience the world around them in different ways. Since then, she has been providing coaching, training and consultancy to families and professional organisations who want to learn more about neurodiversity, empowering them to understand themselves and those around them better.
Miriam founded Illuminate Inclusion to support individuals, families, businesses and those managing other community spaces by giving them the tools to effectively support people with neurodivergent conditions. Over the past year, other professionals have joined Illuminate Inclusion allowing us to offer a wide range of support, from specialist tuition to fitness coaching, and parent advocacy to corporate training packages. Today, our growing team is committed to supporting neurodivergent people and all those who are working towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society. Wherever you need support and whichever sector you work in, we are determined to help you on your way to becoming more inclusive.
About Our Founder
“By developing a better understanding of yourself and those around you, you can open the door to better communication, stronger relationships and access to the support you need to thrive in your environment.”
Miriam began her career as a school teacher before becoming a SENCO. After noticing that she shared many traits with her students, she was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30.
Miriam is a qualified teacher and SENCO, with more than a decade’s experience in education and training. She holds a masters degree in Psychology and is highly trained in numerous areas of education and development, including neuroscience in early childhood development, teaching in the lifelong learning sector and teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Miriam now works as a consultant in inclusion, neurodiversity and special educational needs.
