August 2026 Newsletter

Hello Neuroinclusion Allies!

Our network is expanding, and every new relationship creates another pathway toward opportunity. The momentum we are seeing is not simply about growth in numbers. It reflects people finding the right resources, employers building stronger relationships with job seekers, and organizations connecting across sectors in ways that can lead to meaningful change. That momentum continued through our Connect and Learn Meetup in May and Retention By Design in July, where partnerships with the Independence Business Alliance and Philly SHRM helped us welcome new participants and bring more perspectives into the network.

We are also excited to see the Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia reaching a broader audience through a recent feature in Philadelphia Today. Greater visibility helps more people understand what neuroinclusive employment can look like and invites new partners to become part of building it.

That spirit of expansion and collaboration continues in the months ahead, including Cities of Inclusion and EmpathyTech at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on October 7–8. Throughout this newsletter, you will see how growing connections are opening doors, strengthening our community, and helping create a better employment environment for neurodivergent job seekers.

This is our mission in motion: making connections that lead to opportunities.

Retention by Design

Retention By Design brought together employers and community partners for an energizing afternoon focused on practical ways to strengthen neuroinclusive workplaces and support long-term employee success. Attendees rated the event 4.95 out of 5 overall, with 100% making at least one new, relevant professional connection and strong ratings for both practical ideas and perspectives that challenged their thinking.

Upcoming events

September 2: Harnessing Innovation and Connection.

October 7–8: EmpathyTech and Cities of Inclusion.

October 29: UnMasked Trivia Night. We are currently seeking sponsors to help make this event possible and expand opportunities across the network.

NENPHL Updates

NENPHL in the news!

We were excited to be featured by Philadelphia Today in an article offering a strong overview of the Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia and our role in connecting people and organizations across the region. Reaching new audiences helps expand the network, strengthen community relationships, and create more pathways to meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent job seekers. Read the article.

Job Connections page updates

We’re excited to share a refreshed Job Connections page, part of a broader effort to reorganize NENPHL’s website around the user journey so visitors can more easily find what they need, whether that’s upskilling opportunities, neurodivergent hiring specialists, networking resources, or a meaningful next step.

Early feedback has been highly positive, with students describing the new experience as both useful and empowering.

NAWBO Philly and NENPHL

Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia is proud to be an alliance member of National Association of Women Business Owner’s-Philadelphia chapter; dedicated to advancing inclusive economic opportunities in the region.

Network opportunities

Employment and skill-building

Part-time Engagement Co-Coordinator (ID: 26001321) – Temple University. Open Now. The Engagement Coordinator will support the meaningful engagement of other partners with disabilities on the Steering Committee and Advisory Council.

Part-time Peer Engagement Co-Coordinator (ID: 26001316)  Temple University. Open Now. The Peer Engagement Coordinator will support a funded research study comparing peer-supported travel training to travel training without peer support and the implementation of the “Ready to Ride” intervention Peer Support approach.

Senior Azure Solution Architect – Agile Brains Consulting: Open now.  contact Darin Schemanski, Sr. Technical Talent Acquisition Partner, at darins@agilebrainsconsulting.com to learn more or apply.

Help Hope Live – Client Services Coordinator: Open now. Help Hope Live is hiring a remote Client Services Coordinator, with a preference for candidates local to the Philadelphia area.

MultipleHub Fall Accelerator (Batch 7): Applications close August 7, 2026. Startups and innovators building solutions for autistic and neurodivergent people can apply now to join MultipleHub’s fall accelerator cohort.

Neurodiversity at Work (N@W): Open enrollment, self-paced. SJU’s Kinney Center offers this five-session certificate training for employers and HR professionals on hiring, communicating with, and supporting a neurodiverse workforce, with SHRM professional development credits available.

Colleges Learn about Autistic Student Support (CLASS): Open enrollment, self-paced. This 100% online course series from SJU’s Kinney Center equips higher-ed faculty and staff with the tools to create a more inclusive, supportive campus experience for autistic and neurodivergent students.

Uniquely Abled Academy at Delaware County Community College: New semester beginning soon. DCCC’s Uniquely Abled Academy is opening enrollment for its next semester, with campus tours available for interested students and families.


Professional events

September 17: ERG Summit 2026 with the Independence Business Alliance. IBA’s 3rd annual summit builds practical skills for ERG leaders and members through hands-on sessions on meeting facilitation, event planning, and public speaking; free for IBA members, $25 for future members.

September 25: PATF Phillies Fundraiser – Deaf Awareness Night. Join PATF at 6:40 PM for Phillies vs. Rays, celebrating Deaf Awareness Night with an ASL performance of the National Anthem by students from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. General admission is $46.41 and ADA seating ($42.32) is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

October 7–8: Cities of Inclusion – Philadelphia Disability Summit & EmpathyTech Philadelphia 2026. Registration is now open for this two-day summit at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with sponsor, exhibitor, and vendor table opportunities also available.

November 8–11: College Autism Summit. The College Autism Network’s 10th annual summit returns to Baltimore, with registration and sponsorship opportunities now open.

November 20: KenCCID Possibilities Gala. Support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at KenCCID’s annual fundraising gala, with sponsorship and in-kind donation opportunities available.


Volunteering and community engagement

Beginning in August: ASERT Volunteer Opportunity – PA Autism Needs Assessment. The ASERT Collaborative is seeking volunteers for a stakeholder working group to help shape the 2027 Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment.

August 5: TechOWL Dungeons & Dragons Night. TechOWL hosts an evening of D&D for the disability community at their space in Philadelphia.

August 6: ADHD & Neurodivergent Professionals Happy Hour. A casual, no-agenda happy hour for neurodivergent professionals at Attic Brewing Company in Germantown. Happens on the first Thursday of every month.

August 10: TechOWL Adaptive Video Game Workshop. Join TechOWL for a hands-on workshop exploring adaptive video game technology and accessible gaming setups.

Join NENPHL and become part of an expanding network supporting neuroinclusion!