Abilities Employment Symposium Registration

The Ability Employment Symposium (AES) is dedicated to advancing workforce inclusion for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Our symposium specifically caters to two key groups:

1.) Individuals with I/DD who are actively seeking employment or vocational training opportunities.

2.) Employers who are committed to creating inclusive workplace environments and are ready to hire individuals with disabilities.

--in addition--

3.) AES provides valuable education for parents, covering essential topics such as job opportunities, SSI education, and the transition to adulthood.

This symposium is sponsored by Bank of America, led by The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte and LIFESPAN Services and planned with a team from AllAbility Solutions, GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte, KennedyStrong Foundation, Philips Academy, Cakeable Charlotte and A Special Needs Plan.

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We are excited for this collaborative symposium to embark on a new opportunity for our I/DD community and inclusive employers as a platform for networking and get invaluable information on next steps on individual employment path. 

We invite individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD) in the community, school aged students, teachers, caregivers to attend one of the scheduled sessions of our Abilities Employment Symposium.  Inclusive businesses, resource groups and organizations will be in attendance to share valuable information with participants who are seeking guidance on their employment journey. These diverse areas of connection encompass, but are not limited to:

• Work Foundations
• School Programs
• Job Training
• Bridge to Employment
• Inclusive Businesses
• Supported Employment Services
• Employer Services
• Family Services

There will be two sessions available to registered participants and caregivers with limited availability per session (please choose one session to attend). Registration for each attendee is required.

Session 1: 10am-12pm

Session 2: 1pm-3:30pm

Any teachers registering students, must indicate how many will be attending and enter names in registration questions.

Agenda:

Session 1

9:15-9:50am- Check-in 

10:00 am-- Kick Off Announcements and Agenda Review

10:30 am- Transition to networking with vendors/employers

10:30-11:00 am- Break Out Sessions A available

11:00-12:00 pm- Break Out Sessions B available

Session 2

12:20-12:50- Check in 

1:00pm- Kick Off Announcements and RoundTable Panel- Keynote Speakers

1:45 pm- Transition to networking with vendors/employers

2:15-2:45- Break Out Sessions A available

2:45-3:15 pm- Break Out Sessions B available