Boulder County Neurodiversity Mingle

Join us for the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce’s first in-person networking event in Boulder County! The Boulder County Neurodiversity Mingle is a unique opportunity for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Event Highlights:

• A supportive environment designed for authentic networking.

• A 10-15 minute informational session, followed by open networking.

• Complimentary food and refreshments to enjoy while mingling.

  
  

Accessibility Features: Earplugs available for sensory comfort and a dedicated sensory room for those who need a quiet space.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with a vibrant community and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth!

Parking: Free Parking Available in the Parking Garage and Blue Sport Stable Parking Lot. Street Parking is available for Two Hours off of Superior Drive. 

Cost: Free to attend
RSVP: Members, please indicate how many guests from your organization will be joining.

WHY INCLUSION IS SMART BUSINESS. Join us via Zoom!

Presenter: Lloyd Lewis, President & CEO of arc Thrift Stores 

(Business leader, CEO, national speaker, author, and father of a son with an intellectual and developmental disability)

Description: 

Discover how employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can drive higher revenue, faster sales growth, and increased profitability. Learn practical strategies to create a culture of inclusion through effective accommodations, supervision, and management. 

Perceptions:

• Hiring and managing people with IDD is expensive, complicated, and time consuming.

• Accommodations and resources are difficult to navigate.

• Disabled employees aren’t as efficient, capable, or valuable as typical employees.

Reality:

• Revenue of companies hiring disabled employees is 28% higher, economic profit margins are 30% higher, and net income is 111% higher than those companies that do not hire people with IDD.

• A study by Accenture of 140 U.S. companies confirms that disability inclusion increases business performance, specifically innovation, shareholder value, productivity, and market share (Accenture et al., 2018).

• According to employers participating in a recent study by Job Accommodation Network, a service from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, a high percentage (59%) of accommodations cost absolutely nothing to make, and if there is a charge, it is typically less than $500 per employee with a disability.

Lloyd Lewis has grown a $32 million dollar retail chain into a $120+ million social enterprise that is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities.

Cost: Free for CNDCC Members. Please RSVP Below / $35 for Non-Members

Join us via Zoom for our educational lecture series.

Kick Off the Year with Our First Neurodiversity Mingle, Hosted by SSA Group!

We’re thrilled to announce that our first networking mixer of the year will be hosted by SSA Group, a CNDCC Member that has been supporting zoos, museums, and other cultural attractions with unforgettable guest services, revenue-generating support, and lasting partnerships for over 50 years.

Join us for the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce's Neurodiversity Mingle! This unique networking event is the perfect opportunity for business professionals to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Event Highlights:

• A welcoming environment to foster connections and conversations.

• A 10-15 minute informational session, followed by open networking.

• Complimentary food and refreshments to enjoy while mingling.

Don’t miss this chance to expand your network and engage with a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a business professional, entrepreneur, or advocate for neurodiversity, this event is designed to inspire collaboration and growth.

Members: Please RSVP below and indicate how many guests from your member organization will be in attendance.

Cost: Members: $10 / Non Members: $45

Neurodiversity 101 - What every business needs to know.

We offer Neurodiversity 101 quarterly. This series covers the essentials of understanding neurodiversity, the importance of language, practical advice, and what businesses need to know about inclusive onboarding, hiring, and retention.

Presented by: Danny Combs, Co-Founder of CNDCC

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

Join us via Zoom for this engaging series.

All remote events are recorded. By registering, you are agreeing to attend a recorded event.

NOTE: Once you register, CNDCC has your registrant information. Approximately a week before the event and in the days leading up to it, a CNDCC representative will contact you with details on joining the event remotely. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@cndcc.org.

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 at the 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, CRC, 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 RSVP below and indicate how many guests from your member organization will be in attendance.

Non Members: $45

Neurodiversity 101 - What every business needs to know.

Join us via Zoom for one of our most attended sessions for the essentials of understanding neurodiversity, the importance of language, practical advice, and what your business needs to know regarding inclusive onboarding, hiring, and retention.

All remote events are recorded. By registering, you are agreeing to attend a recorded event.

Members: Please log in to RSVP.

Non Member Registration: $35. NOTE: Once you register, CNDCC has your registrant information. Approximately a week prior to the event, and in the days leading up to the event, a CNDCC representative will be in touch with details on joining the event remotely. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@cndcc.org.

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.

Please click RSVP and email your interest in joining.

Colorado Disability and Employment Collective - Special Event.

Join CNDCC in partnership with Colorado Office of Employment First as we convene state agencies to unify services in Colorado. Learn from your partners and elevate collaboration during this unique in person opportunity at the Daniels Fund in Cherry Creek.

Members: Please RSVP below and state your company and the names of those you are registering, if registering more than one person.

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 at The Daniels Fund for our in person 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 Members: To RSVP please click the button below and email your RSVP. If you are RSVPing for multiple people in your company, simply list their names and email addresses so we can get them the pertinent information.

Join us for a garden party at the beautiful Firefly Autism Sensory Community Garden.

Family members are welcome at this summer celebration of neurodiversity.

More details to be announced.

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. 

All remote events are recorded. By registering you are agreeing to attend a recorded event.

 Members: Please log in to register.

Non-Member Registration: $35. NOTE: Once you register, a CNDCC representative will contact you with the event log in information.

Neurodiversity 101 - What every business needs to know. Join us remotely for this engaging series.

Join us for one of our most attended sessions for the essentials of understanding neurodiversity, the importance of language, practical advice, and what your business needs to know regarding inclusive onboarding, hiring, and retention.

 All remote events are recorded, so by registering you are agreeing to attend a recorded event.

Members: Please log in to register.

Non-Member Registration: $35. NOTE: Once you register, a CNDCC representative will contact you with the event log in information.

Save the Date for our CNDCC Happy Hour at Access Gallery on Santa Fe.

Members please RSVP via email below.

Neurodiversity 101 - What Every Business Needs to Know.

Back by Popular Demand! Join us for one of our most attended sessions for the essentials on understanding neurodiversity, the importance of language, practical advice, and what your business needs to know regarding inclusive onboarding, hiring, and retention.

RSVP below and include your name and your CNDCC member organization if applicable. If you are a business member, please be sure to include names of colleagues who will also join.

Sarah Klein, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming.

The Foundation provides resources to ensure appropriate and accurate information for those impacted by epilepsy. Their goal is to connect, educate and empower those in the epilepsy community to inspire people to successfully manage their healthcare and lives. They offer a broad range of educational programs, support groups, and fundraising events to support the 65,000 people living with epilepsy in Colorado & Wyoming. As one of the less common thought of neurodivergences, we are delighted to welcome Sarah to discuss Epilepsy and neurodiversity, some of the challenges and opportunities that face those living with epilepsy in the workforce, and what businesses and individuals can do.

RSVP below and include your name and your CNDCC member organization if applicable. If you are a business member, please be sure to include names of colleagues who will also join.

Neurodiversity At Work: Panel Discussion

The purpose of this panel discussion is to empower organizations with the knowledge, insights, and practical strategies needed to establish and nurture a neurodiversity program within their workplace. By exploring the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with neurodiversity inclusion, we aim to inspire and guide businesses in creating environments where neurodiverse individuals thrive, contribute their unique talents, and drive innovation, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce for a brighter future. Coordinated by Peter Frohling of Kiewit, it promises to be a highly engaging discussion.

Panelists:

• Meghan Bonde – Team Neurodivergent

• Danielle Schulz – Denver Art Museum

• Adam Snyder – First Bank of Colorado

• Erin Amerlan – Charles Schwab

RSVP below and include your name and your CNDCC member organization if applicable. If you are a business member, please be sure to include names of colleagues who will also join.