An invitation to Thompson Policy Institute’s Inaugural DisAbility Summit Tuesday, May 3rd at the Musco Center for the Arts

April 26, 2016

Join us May 3rd at Chapman’s Musco Center for the Arts

Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability and Autism would like to extend an open invitation to our inaugural DisAbility Summit. Even though
registration
is required, the Summit is free and open to the public, so join us May 3rd, 2016 at Chapman University’s brand new Musco Center for the Arts for exciting and new research on disability and autism.

The Summit will serve as the first presentation of our research findings, focused on critical issues around disability, particularly autism. Network with fellow individuals with disabilities, families of people with disabilities, education professionals, government officials, direct-service providers and other community stakeholders, and be a part of the conversation on how professionals can put our findings into action.

Co-Directors of Thompson Policy Institute Don Cardinal, Ph.D. and Amy-Jane Griffiths, Ph.D. will present TPI’s main research findings. Opening statements will be made by Chapman Chancellor/President-Designate Daniele Struppa and TPI benefactor William Thompson.

Dr. Cardinal will discuss autism prevalence using data that represents ten million children in special education, ages 3-22 years old, for the last 15 years. Results include:

Making sense of the increasing rates of autism in young people (3-22 years old)

An analysis of diagnostic patterns found over the most recent 15 years of data

A model outlining the policy implications of these findings

We have solved a significant piece of the mystery around the increasing rates of autism in young people and we are excited to share our findings.

Dr. Griffiths will present on Autism in the Workplace, specifically focusing on:

Issues that young adults with disabilities (particularly autism) frequently face when attempting to meaningfully participate in the workforce

Results of a new research study addressing the current state of employment of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the local area, as well as the availability and gaps in services required to support improved employment outcomes

A plan of action to address some of the barriers to meaningful employment of youth with disabilities

The inaugural DisAbility Summit will be the TPI’s first step in convening community leaders to drive action on specific areas of need. Throughout the year, TPI will continue to facilitate community change by providing an environment designed for these leaders to collaborate, connect and implement actionable goals. We are extremely excited about

Register today
to our free and public event (registration is required).

Please indicate during registration if you would like 2 CEUS for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences at NO COST.

We look forward to seeing you all at our DisAbility Summit on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016.

Thompson Policy Institute

Schedule

9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Reception and Networking

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Conference presentations/discussion