Tools and Equipment That Could Benefit You at Work

Tools and Equipment That Could Benefit Me as a Neurodivergent Woman

While thinking about applying for Access to Work, I realised I wasn’t entirely sure what kind of support I would actually want or need. So, I did a bit of a deep dive to see what other people have found helpful, and started reflecting on how those things might benefit the way I work.

Not everything I found would be covered by Access to Work, especially those that support home or family life, but here’s a list of some tools and equipment that stood out to me — and why they could make a difference.

Physical Equipment

Digital Calendar Display This was a popular recommendation from many people with ADHD. Honestly, I didn’t even know they existed — but after researching them, I can see how useful they’d be for me. They remove the need for multiple physical calendars and can be updated through my phone or directly on the screen. I could view everything at a glance, and family members could also access it. Some models even include extras like meal planning, chore tracking, and task lists, which would be incredibly helpful — especially compared to my current system of scattered paper notes.

Smartwatch A smartwatch could help me stay on track during the day with subtle, customisable reminders through vibrations or alerts. I often struggle with time-blindness, so having something on my wrist to prompt me when it’s time to start or stop a task — without needing to rely on noisy alarms — would make transitions much easier. It would also support things like hydration reminders, standing breaks, and time management in meetings.

reMarkable Tablet (or similar) This stood out as a really helpful tool for reducing paper clutter. I tend to take loads of handwritten notes, but then lose track of them. With the reMarkable, I could still write by hand (which helps me process thoughts), but everything would be stored digitally and easy to find later. It could also help with planning, journaling, and organising work ideas in one place without the overwhelm of scattered notebooks.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones These would be incredibly helpful for maintaining focus in noisy environments. I’m quite sensitive to background noise, especially when trying to concentrate, and regular earplugs don’t always cut it. Noise-cancelling headphones would allow me to create a calmer workspace, especially when working in busy offices or shared environments.

Whiteboard and Cork Board

A large whiteboard would be useful for visually mapping out my tasks, routines, or weekly priorities in one place. It’s a great way to keep information visible without needing to flip through notebooks or digital files. The cork board would serve a slightly different purpose — pinning up key reminders, important documents, or motivational notes that I want in front of me. Both would help reduce overwhelm and support memory by keeping the most important things physically visible.

Laptop A reliable, fast laptop is essential for managing my work efficiently. Many of the tools I use — from digital calendars to productivity software — require something with good performance and portability, especially if I need to move between home and work settings or attend meetings online. This also allows me to work flexibly and move to less overwhelming environments

Desk and Chair Having a proper, comfortable desk and chair setup makes a huge difference in how long I can work without pain or distraction. A supportive chair that encourages good posture, paired with a suitable desk, would help reduce physical strain, improve focus, and support my overall wellbeing during longer work sessions.

Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard Standard input devices often cause discomfort or even pain after extended use. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse would help prevent strain on my hands and wrists, especially when I’m working on writing-intensive tasks or switching between multiple programs. Reducing physical discomfort helps me stay focused and avoid burnout.

Assistive Software (Available in the UK)

There are several types of software available in the UK that are specifically designed to support Neurodivergent people, particularly those with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and executive functioning difficulties.

TextHelp Read&Write is widely recommended for dyslexia and reading difficulties. It includes tools like text-to-speech, spelling and grammar support, screen masking, and word prediction. It can make reading and writing less stressful and more accessible.

ClaroRead is another option for those with dyslexia or visual stress. It offers text-to-speech, dictation, screen overlays, and a simple spellchecker. It supports focus and helps improve accuracy when reading or writing.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking is voice recognition software that allows speech-to-text input. It’s especially useful for those with dyslexia, processing issues, or physical challenges that make typing difficult. Being able to dictate emails, documents, and commands hands-free would significantly reduce cognitive load and fatigue.

MindView or Inspiration Maps offer visual mind mapping tools that can help with organising thoughts and breaking down complex projects. These tools support ADHD and dyslexic thinking styles by allowing information to be processed and structured visually.

Grammarly Premium, especially when used with its clarity and tone features, can help with grammar, spelling, and structuring sentences. For someone who struggles with dyslexia or written expression, it acts as a second set of eyes, guiding writing in a clearer and more confident direction.

Otter.ai and Glean are note-taking tools that transcribe audio in real-time. This means I wouldn’t have to write everything down during meetings or training sessions — I could stay focused and come back to the notes later. This is ideal for both ADHD and dyslexia, where trying to listen and write at the same time can be overwhelming.

Brain in Hand is a UK-specific tool developed to support people with autism, anxiety, or executive dysfunction. It combines daily planning, routine reminders, personalised coping strategies, and even live support if needed. It’s particularly useful for managing daily tasks and maintaining emotional regulation.

Additional Types of Support That May Benefit Neurodivergent Individuals

In addition to physical tools and software, many neurodivergent people benefit from broader types of support that help reduce overwhelm, improve executive functioning, and create a more sustainable working environment. These supports are often overlooked but can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing and productivity.

Virtual Assistant (VA) or Administrative Support Many Neurodivergent individuals experience difficulties managing administrative tasks such as scheduling, inbox organisation, document management, and appointment setting. A virtual assistant or admin support can help reduce executive load and decision fatigue by handling routine or mentally draining tasks. This allows individuals to focus on higher-priority work and maintain a better sense of control and clarity.

Public Transport Support or Travel Allowance For those who find public transport physically or mentally challenging due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, fatigue, or executive dysfunction, alternatives such as off-peak travel support, taxi fares, or travel companions can make commuting more manageable. Access to Work can often provide assistance with transport when travel becomes a barrier to employment or regular attendance.

Access to Co-working Spaces Traditional office settings may be too stimulating or inflexible, while working from home can lead to isolation or lack of structure. A co-working space can offer a balanced alternative — providing a calm, professional environment with flexible seating and quiet zones. This setup supports focus, motivation, and social connection, particularly for individuals who benefit from low-distraction environments that are still outside the home.

Specialist Coaching or Mentoring Neurodiversity-aware coaching or mentoring can provide structured support around challenges like time management, prioritisation, emotional regulation, and communication. Tailored guidance from someone with experience in Neurodivergent needs helps build sustainable work habits and fosters confidence in navigating professional environments.

Having the right mix of tools, equipment, software, and support can really make a difference for Neurodivergent people at work. It helps cut down on distractions, makes managing tasks easier, and keeps physical discomfort in check. When support is tailored to what someone actually needs, it not only helps them do their best but also makes the workplace a more welcoming and understanding space for everyone. 

At The Umbrella Hub we offer Coaching and Mentoring which can be funded through Access to work, to find out more you can email us hello@theumbrellahub.org or click here

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