What We're Doing Differently

We've noticed that many conferences on the topic of neurodiversity are actually not set up to be neurodiversity-friendly. In planning our conference, we are applying Universal Design concepts to maximize accessibility and inclusion. We want neurodiverse/neurodivergent individuals to come, be comfortable, and be able to participate.

The online registration provides a place to indicate any accommodations you may need, and all conference registrants will be provided with a packet with accessibility information. Additionally, we are providing speakers with their own set of accessibility guidelines.

We believe that neurodiverse/neurodivergent individuals are important to include in conversations about neurodiversity. Here is how we're doing that:

• Planning: Our organizing committee has several neurodiverse/neurodivergent members helping to shape everything from content to accessibility.
• Speakers: Our speakers and panelists include neurodiverse/neurodivergent individuals.
• Attendees: Neurodiverse/neurodivergent individuals are encouraged to attend, and a portion of the registration slots are specifically set aside for neurodiverse/neurodivergent attendees. 

Rather than a series of presenters speaking to attendees, our conference schedule of predominantly panels enables presenters to talk with attendees. 

Each of the afternoon break-out sessions will conclude with a discussion of actionable next-steps. These action items will be brought back for whole-group discussion during the final panel.

Neurodiverse/neurodivergent jobseekers may register for the neurodiversity-friendly job fair and reverse job fair. Tip sheets for these activities will be available in mid to late February. The tentative format for each session is as follows:

Job fair

• Objective: Employers will tell jobseekers about available positions and how the employer creates a neurodiversity-friendly workplace.
• Timing: During the hour, each jobseeker will visit four employers. Presentations will last 12 minutes, with 3 minutes to transition between stations.

Reverse Job Fair

• Objective:Neurodiverse/neurodivergent jobseekers will tell employers about their background, skills, and articulate why their skill set is a good fit for that position.
• Timing: During the hour, neurodiverse/neurodivergent jobseekers will give three presentations to different company representatives. Each presentation will last 8 minutes, with 2 minutes for employers to transition in between stations.