This Month’s Article to Check Out

The Great Win-Win: Supporting Neurodivergent Employees in Job Crafting

In this article, Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP explores the concept of job crafting and how it can be relevant for neurodivergent employees. “One solution for maximizing the potential of neurodivergent employees that can propel organizational performance while also making work much more inclusive is job crafting. It is something I used for many years to survive and succeed in the workplace as an undiagnosed autistic professional. It is also something that can be used, with organizational support, to help all neurodivergent employees thrive.”

NEN Announcements

April 26th Event Registration is Open!: Our next event will take place April 26th, 2023 at the SEI Amphitheater in Oaks, PA! The agenda includes a diversity conversation with SEI, a keynote from Kurt Iobst, Neurodiversity ERG Lead at Salesforce, a panel representing diverse experiences of neurodivergence, and targeted networking time to help you connect with those most helpful for your current needs! Register for the event here.

Sponsorship Opportunities: NEN: Philadelphia has sponsorship opportunities available for quarterly events. If you are interested in learning more, please contact cait@neurodiversityemploymentnetwork.org.

Job & Internship OpportunitiesBootcamp Solution Consultant: Virtual & IAM Solution Consultant: Virtual: Specialisterne USA is recruiting! Do you identify with being on the autism spectrum or with being otherwise neurodivergent? Looking to kick-start or advance your career in Cybersecurity? We are proud to be partnering with Deloitte to recruit for entry-level and intermediate roles in Cybersecurity as part of their Neurodiversity Hiring Initiative.

The available roles are: Bootcamp Solution Consultant: Virtual, IAM Solution Consultant: Virtual. The application deadline is Sunday, April 2nd at 11:00pm ET. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://lnkd.in/esbJGq4G

*This program is only available for individuals who self-identify as being autistic or neurodivergent. For Specialisterne, this includes self-identification with the following: Autism (including Asperger’s and PDD-NOS), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Learning Disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), Intellectual Disability, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Tourette Syndrome.*

Network Announcements & Events

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: We are excited to share the schedule of events with you for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2023 (March 13-19)! From introductory webinars, panel discussions and more, our range of events aims to educate and inspire conversations about neurodiversity. All events are free of charge and open to all. Events may be seen here.

Chestnut Hill College Transition Symposium: On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Chestnut Hill College is hosting a transition symposium with comprehensive and practical information surrounding the transition to higher education for families and students who are interested in pursuing a college degree. A flyer may be viewed here. Those interested in attending can register at this link.

HawXpo – Hill Top Prep is a small school making a big impact in the Southeastern PA area for bright and creative students diagnosed with neurodiverse learning differences. This year, Hill Top is making a great leap to implement a brand new event designed exclusively to develop and hone social skills for neurodiverse youth, adolescents, and young adults through a fun, interactive gaming and arts convention that fosters organic social interaction. HawXpo will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10 am – 4 pm at Hill Top Preparatory School and features activities, competitions, speakers, and exhibitors, as well as all things gaming and pop culture! The event boasts fun and educational programming, comics, collectibles, video games, and so much more! Edu-tech Academic Solutions has signed on as the event’s Lead Sponsor. And, there are more sponsorship opportunities available. We are seeking to gain the support of organizations that are pioneering the movement to provide opportunities for neurodiversity in the workplace as the world recognizes the great contributions neurodivergent professionals are making every day. Sponsorship Opportunities and exhibitor registration along with a link to sign up, can be found at www.hawxpo.com.

CUNY Neurodiversity Conference: The 5th Annual CUNY Neurodiversity Conference, hosted by Project REACH & CUNY Disability Programs in the Office of Student Inclusion Initiatives will take place on April 14, 2023. This year’s virtual event will highlight neurodivergent artists and the vast creativity at the heart of the neurodiversity movement. We can all learn from neurodivergent creativity, including how to support people in ways that recognize the full diversity of the spectrum. Registration is available here.

Inclusively Webinar: Making the transition from higher education to the workplace can be challenging – especially when mental health conditions or other disabilities are part of the equation. So how can you best prepare yourself with the access and accommodations you need to find career success at an organization that embraces inclusion? Join Ross Barchacky on March 23 at 5 PM EST as he discusses tips and best practices. Click here to register.

Best Buddies Friendship Walk: THE BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP WALK IS COMING TO KING OF PRUSSIA! Join us for the 2023 Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 29.The one-mile Friendship Walk is the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The walk plays a key role in funding Best Buddies programs dedicated to one-to-one friendships, leadership development, integrated employment and inclusive living for individuals with IDD. Each walk provides an opportunity to see the Best Buddies mission in action at a local level. Since the walk’s inception in 2009, more than 150,000 participants in 60 cities have walked to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship and opportunity for people with IDD. Recruit your friends and family members and form a team! It’s more fun to walk together! To register, go to www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/philadelphia

Presentation: On April 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM EST, Daniel Rothenberg will be presenting a workshop that will give attendees an overview of neurodiversity and how to best support neurodistinct students in their job search. The presenter will share his passion and lived experience on this topic, as well as resources he has developed in the area of neurodiversity and employment. Specific topics will include: disclosure, interview preparation, and barriers and advantages in the workplace. Please fill out this form if you are interested in attending!Join us at our next quarterly meeting! Click here to reserve a spot.

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