Join us for our Annual CNDCC Holiday Party and kick off the season with fun, laughter, and unforgettable connections! Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere as we celebrate the year’s successes and look ahead to an exciting future.

Entertainment provided by Dr. Sam Shay, Stand-up Comedian

Cost: Free for CNDCC Members / $40 for Non-Members

Location

CoBank National Headquarters | Denver Tech Center

6340 S. Fiddlers Green Circle
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Disability Inclusive Interviewing

Discover how to find the right employees for your business needs by implementing practical, accessible inclusive interview strategies . Learn what can and cannot be asked related to medical information and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), empowering you to conduct interviews with confidence. 

Below is specific content that will be discussed: 

·        Role-Centered Interviewing 

·        Understanding Pre-Conceived Notions 

·        Accessibility Consideration 

·        What Can and Can Not Be Asked 

·        Medical Information & the ADA 

Presenter: Vikki Ortiz, MS, CESP

Vikki Bio: Vikki is a Trainer and Curriculum Developer specializing in Supported Employment as well as the Communications Lead with the Colorado Office of Employment First (COEF). She is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and a graduate of both the National Association of People Supporting Employment First’s (APSE) Emerging Leaders in Employment First professional development program and the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities’ Leadership Institute. She also serves as a Co-President of the Colorado Chapter of APSE.

Her educational background is in Human Development and Family Studies with an M.S. in Family Studies. Vikki has over 6 years of experience in this field and over 15 years of experience in management and training. She has been sought out to present nationally on Supported Employment and Employment First and to provide consultation and technical assistance to other organizations. Vikki has lived experience as a neurodiverse woman and has a vision for all people with disabilities to fully realize, pursue, and accomplish their employment goals.

Cost: Free for CNDCC Members / $35 for Non-Members

Join us via Zoom for our educational lecture series.

Organizing Strategies to Support a Neuroinclusive Workplace

This session will provide support for businesses in creating environments that support both their neurodivergent and neurotypical employees. We will develop an understanding of the impact of good (and poorly) organized environments for the individual and the business as a whole. We will review types of clutter/disorganization to provide ways to identify changes that could be made within your specific work environment.  Finally, we will cover specific steps to take to combat clutter and disorganization to create a work environment that reduces stress, increases productivity, and can even improve aesthetics, resulting in spaces that better meet the needs for all employees.

Led by Erin Gaskins, Room Redefined:

• Founder of Room Redefined Professional Organizing- a relationship-based organizing service that assists people in residential, commercial, and education-based settings to realize their organizational goals.

• Member of neurodivergent family

• 25-year Veteran of public education

• Advocate for the understanding and respect for the neurodivergent mind

Cost: Free for CNDCC Members / $35 for Non-Members

Join us via Zoom for our educational lecture series.

Join us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of CB Art Studio, Superior's newest art studio and gallery!

When: Friday, November 8th at 5:00 PM
Where: Superior Marketplace, 406 Center Drive, Unit C, Superior, Colorado 80027

We’re thrilled to celebrate Cora Bracho-Troconis and Steve Leeds as they open their creative space in Superior! After years of bringing engaging art events and workshops to our community, they now have a permanent studio and gallery to inspire and connect with art lovers of all ages.

CB Art Studio is excited to offer a variety of classes, including specialized classes for #neurodivergent children, making art accessible to everyone!

Enjoy an evening filled with beautiful artwork from internationally renowned artist Karem Arrieta, live music, wine, and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Let’s come together to support and celebrate Superior’s vibrant art community!

This is a joint ribbon-cutting with the Superior Chamber – we hope to see you there!

Recruitment, Job Descriptions, & Applications: Brian Dean, MA, Colorado Office of Employment First

 Explore how accessible recruitment strategies and position descriptions can cultivate an inclusive talent pipeline focused on targeting skills that contribute to your business needs.  

Below is specific content that will be discussed: 

·        Targeting inclusion 

·        Talent acquisition through accessibility 

·        Recruitment strategies 

·        Matching 

·        Position announcements and descriptions 

Free for CNDCC Members

$35 for Non-Members

CNDCC Happy Hour at TACT

Join us for our hugely popular quarterly networking event at TACT. Enjoy networking with CNDCC members in this incredible and unique space!

Members: Please log in to register for free.

Non Members: $45

Danny Combs - Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT)

Join us via Zoom for our educational lecture series with Danny Combs, one of our CNDCC Co-Founders and CEO of TACT.

This exciting session emphasizes the importance of developing diverse and inclusive workplaces by creating environments that meet the needs of all employees. The session will focus on maximizing strengths, increasing employee satisfaction, and nurturing a positive work culture through strategies that support individuals from various backgrounds and abilities. It will also explore how the skilled trades can be leveraged to develop essential employment skills and will cover educational transition services to ensure smooth career progression. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical advice on fostering an inclusive work environment that promotes equality, diversity, and overall employee well-being. The session will cover techniques to enhance inclusivity and promote equal opportunities. Additionally, it will highlight the benefits of an inclusive workforce and provide actionable steps to improve diversity and inclusivity within organizations, with a particular focus on utilizing skilled trades and educational transition services to support these efforts.

Non Member Registration: $35

Members: Please log in to register for free.

Join us via Zoom for our educational lecture series!

Breaking Barriers with Jeff Sidders and Renee Romero from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Addressing the common barriers to employment for professionals with disabilities, and especially for those who are neurodivergent, this presentation will provide insight as to the reasons why this population is often excluded from employment opportunities. This session will also break down some of the myths around disability, neurodivergency, and employment, share some of the many benefits to having a more diverse and neuro inclusive workforce, and highlight some of the best practices to adapt.

Join us via Zoom for our Monthly Panel Discussion.

Join Chris Brashar & Ian Warner from Trimble, along with TACT’s Danny Combs for an engaging discussion about neurodiversity and the Trades. Details to be confirmed.

CNDCC Happy Hour:

Firefly Autism Community Garden Happy Hour - Join us for our hugely popular quarterly networking event. This will be held at the beautiful Firefly Autism Community Gardens with drinks and catering provided.

CNDCC Lunchtime Lecture:

Employment First through the Lens of Neurodiversity by Vikki Ortiz, MS, CESP,  Curriculum Developer/Trainer with Colorado Office of Employment First

This webinar will introduce attendees to the Employment First movement and demonstrate the critical need to welcome people with disabilities into the workforce, including career seekers in the neurodiverse community. After discussing the power of having high expectations about the valuable contributions the neurodiverse community can offer the workforce, we will explore how to accommodate and support neurodiverse employees throughout their employment journey with your company. The webinar will close with a sharing of resources and an opportunity for questions. 

Members: Please log in to register.

Non-Member Registration: $35. NOTE: Once you register, a CNDCC representative will be in touch with details to join the remote event. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to info@cndcc.org.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE

Executive functioning has been a growing topic, yet it is rarely mentioned or discussed in the workplace despite being one of the most important skills sets necessary to succeed. Join this conversation to understand EF, how it impacts employees, how it impacts relationships with employees, and how to train managers to better understand and support their employees

Panelists: 

Suchi Deshpande, Founder and CEO of Learnfully

Several years ago, Suchi’s son was diagnosed with autism. A few years later Suchi got diagnosed with ADHD.
Time & experience have taught her to be patient, and strong, and to embrace the good and bad. But finding resources on something that affects 20-40% of the population was not easy. Suchi realized that she needed to be the change in order to see the change and set out to demystify neurodiversity.

Cyle Feingold, Founder and CEO of Results Learning

Cyle grew up as a student with undiagnosed learning differences. He struggled tremendously in elementary school while his parents worked hard to find a school and tutors to help him find his strengths and overcome his challenges. Due to his journey, Cyle is committed to helping children and adults with similar backgrounds and experiences get the support they need to succeed in school, work and life. 

Jagmeet Kaur Sangha Founder of Behavior Pivot Consulting

Jagmeet partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote mental well-being. Her experience and perspective is broad and her clinical understanding of executive functioning skills is a crucial part of any EF discussion.

Yael Franzen Founder of Aah, ADHD Life Coaching for All Ages

Yael received a late ADHD diagnosis and is a Mom to two neurodivergent children. Yael saw a huge need and became an ADHD Life Coach to help people like her and her family. She creates safe and judgment-free spaces for individuals and families to learn about ADHD, get motivated about life and its possibilities, explore dreams, create highly functional daily routines, and stay motivated along the way.

Members: Please log in to register for free

Non-Members: $35. *Please note, when you purchase your ticket, you are registered and will receive the event link 24 hours ahead of the event. Contact info@cndcc.org with any questions.

Dyslexia Unleashed: 3 Steps to Uncover Its True Power

Hector Simoudis

The support of employers and inclusive work environments is monumental for individuals with dyslexia, learning, and neurodiversity differences (NOT disabilities) to fuel their self-determination in discovering that their difference is their greatest strength, not a weakness. In this presentation, you will learn the 3-steps to help anyone with any difference to uncover its true power and how it is a force to be reckoned with!

Members: Please log in to register for free

Non Members: $25

CNDCC Board & Committee Panel

Ever wondered who makes up the CNDCC? Board Members, Committee Members, Founders? Wonder no more. This panel discussion will feature members of the Board, Workforce Committee, Policy Committee, and is designed to help you understand the organization, it’s purpose, and why we created and care about this Chamber so much.

Event will be held on Zoom.