Program Description: 

Confused about Neurodiversity? Supporting others is a SNaP© when we understand and embrace our differences. Join MCDA for a ½ day virtual interactive professional development program that will help career practitioners raise their awareness about working with students and clients with differences, take the fear and mystery out of how to assist individuals with neurodivergent conditions and disabilities, and help learn about the varied types of supports available. This program is in two parts and includes access to the For All Abilities SNaP (Strengths, Needs and Preferences) Assessment. Each participant will receive a personalized report via email with supports or “accommodations” that can help them evaluate their own understanding/profile of the range of neurodivergent conditions, and ultimately be more sensitive, productive, and effective career practitioners. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss and ask questions about specific cases or issues with which they need assistance.

Agenda:

Part 1: What is Neurodiversity? Dispelling the Myths through Better Understanding of the ADA and Workplace Accommodations

The ADA and “Reasonable Accommodations” can be confusing. While most people think accommodations are only helpful for the specific individual, they can benefit an entire organization when offered effectively. In order to support those with conditions such as ADHD, Autism, dyslexia and other learning differences, we must dispel the myths surrounding the inclusion of people with neurodivergent conditions in the workplace.

Part 2: Understanding Different Strengths and Needs: Case Studies with Tools and Resources Followed by Q & A

Learn how to advocate for and support individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions in a way that benefits them and the organization. We will discuss several case studies and discuss tools and resources to help your students and clients be advocates for themselves in the job search and application process. Participants will also have access to the SNaP Assessment and will receive their personalized report via email. When you understand your own strengths and needs, you are more able to understand those of others and how to advocate and advise. Participants will have an opportunity for interactive break out rooms to compare and discuss their results and the recommendations and its implications to their work as career practitioners.

Speaker Bio:

Betsy is the CEO and Founder of For All Abilities, and a subject matter expert in accessibility, disabilities, education, cognition, and language. She specializes in workplace disability issues especially for employees with ADHD, Dyslexia, Learning Differences, Autism, and other forms of neurodiversity. She is passionate about maximizing tech product reach to often overlooked segments of the population. Betsy is a member of the Society for Human Resources (SHRM) Speakers Bureau and is the host of the podcasts, Your App Lady and For All Abilities: The Podcast. She has also been an invited expert for the W3C Accessibility Guidelines Working Group working on digital accessibility issues and WCAG standards. She earned a BA from Austin College in Sherman, Texas and a MS in Communication Disorders from University of Texas in Dallas, Texas. She is also a certified speech pathologist.