Objectives of the Conference
- Connect neurodiverse individuals, family members, job coaches/job developers, employers, and other stakeholders
- Serve as a channel for the stakeholders to participate in the project
- Showcase Developing Inclusive Vocational Education and Resources for Success in Employment (DIVERSE)* to the community.
*DIVERSE is a curriculum developed by the neurodiverse community for the training of job coaches and employers to work with neurodiverse people / individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Registration is FREE. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Keynote Speakers
Organizers / Research Team at Stanford University
Regional Center Keynote Panelists
Neurodivergent Panel
Parent Panel
Employer Panel
Job Coach Panel
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Welcome
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM: Keynote presentation "Cultivating a Neurodiverse Workforce" by Nancy Bargmann, Director of California Department of Developmental Services
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM: Keynote presentation "Statewide Initiatives to Support Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities" by Ernie Cruz, Deputy Director of California Department of Developmental Services
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM: Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: DIVERSE, an Innovative Curriculum Developed by the Neurodiverse Community. Presented by the Fung Lab and Stanford Neurodiversity Project Team, Stanford University.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Keynote Presentation "Advancing Access, Equity and Opportunity" by Mark Erlichman, Deputy Director of California Department of Rehabilitation.
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM: Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Regional Center Directors’ Keynote Panel - Eric Zigman (GGRC), Javier Zaldivar (SARC), Lisa Kleinbub (RCEB)
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Networking Session & Light Refreshments
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM: Concurrent Breakout Sessions 1 (Neurodivergent Panel & Employer Panel)
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM: Concurrent Breakout Sessions 2 (Parent Panel & Job Coach Panel)
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM: CLOSING