Currently in the U.S 80% of people with autism are unemployed or underemployed. Becoming an entrepreneur can help these individuals enjoy employment as their own boss and to use their unique abilities to impact the world. Professionals and educators will learn to empower people with autism and other disabilities to develop entrepreneur skills. Sandison teaches practical ways to build connections, market a business, and get first on Google. Individuals with autism will learn to use their strengths to accommodate for limitations, find a mentor, strength connections by the ability to delight clients, and pursue new opportunities. During the past 7 years, Ron has spoken live to 250,000 people, published three nationally books, and his nonprofit Spectrum Inclusion receives 10,000 views a month. Sandison shares the knowledge he gained from interviewing autistic entrepreneurs while writing his fourth book Autism, Growth & Transitioning into Adulthood.

What do you think about when you ponder accessibility? We spend 1/3 or more of our adult lives doing paid work. In this interview, Occupational Therapist Jeanne Eichler talks about aspects of accessibility that are often not considered in workplace environments.

In this episode of Voices Across the Spectrum, Rob Bernstein, Stephen Shore, and US Autism Association President Marlo Payne Thurman will host Broadway Star Mickey Rowe, along with up-and-coming actors Seamus Higgins and Henry Durham to discuss a range of topics within neurodiversity for their relevance in both acting and producing.

This presentation is designed to empower adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum and those who work with them as they navigate the complexities of preparing for and entering the workforce. This session introduces the concept of the Career Continuum, guiding participants through stages from community service to employment, emphasizing the development of crucial soft skills and real-world experience.

Renowned producer, director, and journalist Ron Zimmerman’s interview provides a behind the scenes glimpse of the life and career of Mickey Rowe, autistic and multiply disabled Broadway star who is also a disability and accessibility expert.

In this engaging keynote, Mickey Rowe shares his deeply personal story of growing up autistic and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on the Broadway stage.

Marcia Scheiner, President of Integrate Advisors, shares her systematic approach for working with large companies to create hiring initiatives that successfully recruit and retain individuals on the autism spectrum to fill a variety of needs within the corporate structure.

Sarah Bernard, Chief Operating Officer for Inclusively, discusses the ways in which her company brings together employers, job candidates, and the advocates who support those seeking employment to find, hire, and retain individuals with disabilities.

Samantha Craft, M.Ed. (a.k.a. Marcelle Ciampi), a respected Autistic author, international ambassador, and inspirational community builder, is best known for her writings found in the well-received blog and book Everyday Aspergers.

Autistic self-advocate and expert on neurodiversity in the workplace, Marcelle Ciampi, shares her personal autism journey along with her unique insights on the topics of autism diagnoses in adult women, meeting workplace needs for those who are neurodiverse, and how best to support the needs of all individuals who think differently within a corporate structure.

Michael Beloff, Financial Planner and father of a young adult with ASD, shares his wealth of expertise to help individuals who receive government benefits and want to work.

Dr. Michael McManmon is the founder of the College Internship Program and on the Advisory Board of the US Autism Association. His expertise stems from his Doctorate in Special Education, his Master’s in Counseling, and his Master’s in Human Development. He is also an individual that has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.