Program Brings Powerful Neurodivergent Talent to the Insurance Industry

WATERBURY, Vt. - Feb. 7, 2022 - PRLog -- The Independence Hub, a 501(c)(3) organization, has launched a program that helps the neurodivergent gain independence through meaningful careers in the insurance industry. The organization is developing a practice of highly skilled neurodivergent talent, trained and supported to meet resource needs across the insurance industry.

Neurodivergent means having a brain that functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of normal. Neurodivergence can be entirely genetic and innate, such as individuals with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and dyslexia, or it can result from brain injury or other trauma.

"The unemployment rate among the neurodivergent is as high as 80%," explains Mike Eagan, Founder and Executive Director of The Independence Hub. "A significant segment of that population offers skills for such high demand roles such as actuaries, CAT modelers, and claims adjusters. With a few accommodations innovators in the insurance industry can start taking advantage of this untapped well of talent."

The neurodiversity paradigm asserts that differences in learning among humans is natural. Categories of neurodivergence whose neurocognitive functioning has traditionally disqualified them in the first interview, actually offer a competitive advantage over neurotypical talent in any role that involves repetitive tasks, sustainable over long periods of time, such as a Q & A role or reviewing videos of claims for accuracy. The Independence Hub is adapting proven frameworks and programs from outside the industry to overcome the barriers and match this neurodivergent talent with meaningful careers in the insurance ecosystem.

"As a parent of three children with a wide range of learning differences, I saw how a few small changes and adaptations could make a huge difference in learning, achievement and productivity," states Eagan. "Eventually, I started to realize my own learning differences and was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to get off the road and work out some ideas that had been percolating for a while around practical innovation, diversity, and inclusion."

"The first challenge was finding the right place to start. Working with the executive team, we have identified some use cases in claims and Q and A where this type of talent can excel.  Our next step is configuring and deploying the Nashville Model for insurance in order to identify, qualify, and train resources. Once we have the virtual infrastructure set up, we will open our first remote work facility configured for the neurodivergent but open to the neurotypical."

The Independence Hub offers a range of ways for businesses and individuals to get involved as volunteers, donors, advisors, or clients. It currently has openings on its Advisory Board and seeks Corporate Sponsors for its education, training and support programs. To learn more visit www.theindependencehub.org.