June 25, 2021, Liverpool Echo: Hundreds of colourful umbrellas have returned to Liverpool city centre https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/hundreds-colourful-umbrellas-returned-liverpool-20891486
NW England
…Back for its fourth year after being cancelled for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ADHD Foundation's popular Umbrella Project returns this morning to Church Alley in the city centre .
The dazzling canopy, which features bright red, blue, green and yellow umbrellas, is part of an initiative to raise awareness, and to celebrate, ADHD, autism and neurodiversity.
Schools across the Liverpool City Region have also signed up to create their own mini umbrella displays, highlighting neurodiversity in children and young people and educational settings….
The project, which has been hugely popular since its launch in 2017, aims to flip the disabling perception of neurodiverse individuals on its head, and instead to celebrate the differences.
The idea for the Umbrella Project was born from the concept that ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia sit under the ‘umbrella’ term of neurodiversity.
Dr Tony Lloyd, chief executive of ADHD Foundation, said: “Like the ADHD Foundation itself, the Umbrella Project first began right here in Liverpool. Whilst the campaign continues to receive global attention and grow beyond all expectation, we are proud to launch our 2021 Umbrella Project in our home city for the fourth year.
“Through our work, we have seen first-hand how local schools are leading the way by championing a curriculum fit for the 21st century that celebrates the gifts and talents of every neurodiverse child and young person.
“Seeing so many schools across the Liverpool City Region take part in their own umbrella projects this year is testament to the strides that have been made.
