🕗 Event Schedule

8:00 - 9:00 AM | Welcome & Registration

Check-in and networking opportunity

Exhibitors & sponsor booths open (Set-up begins at 7:30 AM)

Morning Sessions

9:00 AM | Keynote Address

📢 Introduction by Natalie Boehm, President & Founder, The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation

A compelling keynote to set the stage for an impactful day of discussion and action.

🎙️ Panel Discussions

9:30 AM | Personal Experiences in the Workforce

💬 An Open Panel Discussion
Hear firsthand experiences from employees with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions as they share their challenges, successes, and insights into fostering an inclusive workplace.

🔹 10-minute break before the next session

10:45 AM | Educational Resources & Training (EEOC)

Overview of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

• Key information employers should know
• Free training opportunities for businesses
• Responding to workplace complaints & preventing claims

🎓 Presented by EEOC Training Institute

 11:15 AM | Financial & Government Resources for Businesses

💰 Tax Benefits & Employer Incentives

IRS: Learn about tax benefits for businesses employing individuals with disabilities
SBA: Best practices for hiring employees with disabilities
Social Security Administration: Ticket to Work Program and employer benefits
🔗 IRS Business Tax Benefits
🔗 SBA Hiring Resources
🔗 Social Security Ticket to Work Program

 
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Lunch & Networking

🍽️ Connect with peers, visit exhibitor booths, and engage with industry professionals over lunch.

 🔎 Afternoon Sessions

12:45 PM | Grant Opportunities for Employers

📢 Presented by the Department of Rehabilitation

Demand Side Employment Initiative (DSEI): Employer incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities.  EmployABILITY Business Grant: Learn about funding opportunities to support workplace inclusion

1:15 PM | Website Accessibility

🌐 Making Your Website ADA Compliant

• Steps to ensure digital accessibility
• Common pitfalls & best practices
• Tools for website compliance
   
  

  1:45 PM | Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity

✨ Success Stories from Inclusive Employers
Hear from professionals who have successfully integrated neurodivergent employees into their teams. Learn about the benefits, impact, and strategies for fostering an inclusive culture.

 
2:30 PM | Understanding Neurodivergence & Disabilities

📢 Presented by Brooke

• Overview of neurodivergence (ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum, etc.)
• Understanding different physical disabilities
• How to create a workplace culture that supports and embraces diverse abilities
   
  

  🔚 Closing Remarks | 3:15 PM

• 📢 Final Takeaways & Call to Action
• Key insights from the day
  Commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces
• Participant feedback & event evaluation

 Let’s create workplaces where everyone can thrive! 💙✨