OU alumna, Jane Green, has been awarded an MBE for her work as founder of SEDSConnective, a volunteer and user-led neurodivergent and symptomatic hypermobility health charity.
The prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognises Jane’s services to more than 5,000 Neurodivergent impacted charity members, many of whom are Autistic, have ADHD, Dyspraxia, Tourette's syndrome plus more and Joint Hypermobility conditions including Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (connective tissue disorders).
Jane left school at 16 with just two qualifications and was, in her words “considered dim and a hypochondriac.” She began studying with the OU in 1999 for a degree in Psychology. At the time she had her own health issues and was bringing up her two children who both had complex needs. She continually suffered strange injuries and illnesses and was determined to understand what was happening to her. Eventually she received a diagnosis of EDS3 (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, now Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hEDS) but immediately discharged as there was no defined treatment protocol. She received her autism diagnosis in 2016 but unfortunately received very little support. She also received her ADHD diagnosis this year, age 61. She knew there would be others out there like her who must not be overlooked and therefore founded the award winning and unique SEDSConnective to raise the profile of those who were also forced to battle for recognition and support.
“My only goal is to promote inclusivity and equity to help some of the most marginalised communities,” said Jane. “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised in this way and I know that this recognition will help us further the education, care, and support to many individuals.”
Jane later returned to The Open University to study for a postgraduate diploma and Master of Arts in Education (Leadership and Management). In 2006 she was awarded the South East Open University Regional Award for her outstanding achievement and dedication to her Open University work and the Adult Learner Award.
Karen Hart, Deputy Director of Development at The Open University, said:
“It’s wonderful to see Jane’s incredible work honoured with an MBE. Her dedication to advancing the empowerment of individuals with neurodivergence and symptomatic hypermobility conditions is inspiring. I am delighted that Jane chose The Open University for both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies and am so proud to call her part of our OU family. My warmest congratulations to her on her MBE and all that she has achieved .”