Replacing the Autism Puzzle with a Blueprint of Social Innovation

Young adults with autism will face an 80% unemployment rate as young adults, compared to a 3.5% unemployment rate that is currently driving Utah’s prosperity and standard of living. Utah has one of the strongest economies in the country and a long history of tackling economic and social challenges in innovative, entrepreneurial ways. Utah also has the 3^rd highest rate of autism in the country. As diagnosis and treatment have improved for children, young adults coming of age are facing a future of social isolation and unemployment, unlike their peers who see a path forward with careers, independence, and community integration. In a time of economic prosperity, how can we leverage social innovation that gives us a blueprint that will allow us to guide these young adults on a path of inclusion and prosperity instead of a reliance on entitlements and social services? Panelists will discuss the policies, practices, and public/private partnerships that can facilitate and advance opportunities for young adults with ASD so they, too, can contribute their human capital to an already prosperous community.

RESOURCES

• Sponsorship opportunities are available! Bottom Line of Disabilities Sponsor Sheet 2017 (pdf)
• List of Salt Lake City Hotels (pdf)
• Columbus Bottom Line of Disabilities April 2017 Symposium (pdf)

EVENT LOCATION

Columbus Community Center

3495 South West Temple, UT

(801) 262-1552

SCHEDULE

7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

WELCOME REMARKS. 8:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. 

• Kristy Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Community Center
• Monica Rafferty, CCIM, V.P. Commercial Sales & Leasing, Coldwell Banker Commercial Advisors

KEYNOTE ADDRESS. 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

As a successful autist Elliot Francis will be speaking about the timeline of his evolution as an independently functioning adult. He will also touch on the milestones that helped him reach his current point in life and propose a series of supports that can be established in the lives of transition-age autists to help encourage success in the community at large.

• Elliot Francis, Co-Founder of Optimizing Utah, Autism Advocate, and IT Project Manager at University of Utah Health Sciences

SESSION I.  8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

An Economic Outlook: An Update from Top Economic and Financial Experts

Nationally recognized economists and financial experts will share a “real-time” update on some of the larger economic, market, and financial trends that ultimately impact the local decisions that community leaders and nonprofits must consider in their current and future planning.

• David Kotok, Chief Investment Officer, Cumberland Advisors and GIC Board Member
• Philippa Dunne, Co-Editor, The Liscio Report
• Megan Greene, Chief Economist, Manulife
• David Altig, Executive Vice President and Director of Research, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

BREAK. 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

SESSION II. 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

A Presentation of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute Vision for Enhancing Outcome of ASD in Adults

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute ASD Steering Committee will present a strategic vision with plan for measurement and strategy for improving adult outcome of ASD.

• Catherine E. Chambless, Senior Research Associate, Kem C. Policy Institute
• William McMahon, Director Autism Community Outreach, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah
• John Rockefeller, Managing Partner, AutLife
• Ken R. Smith, Distinguished Professor, Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah
• Moderator: Natalie Gochnour, Director, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, University of Utah

SESSION III. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Assembling the Puzzle Pieces into a Blueprint: Public/Private Partnerships that Work Today

Local, national, and international practitioners will share the innovations that are coalescing into a comprehensive approach to leverage the human capital of the incoming generation of young adults with autism. Representatives from nonprofits, public and higher education, business, philanthropy, social services, and government will share innovative practices that are beginning to demonstrate outcomes and impact for young adults with autism.

• Safia Keller, Chief Employment Development Officer, Columbus Community Center
• Teresa Cardon, Director, Melisa Nellesen Autism Center
• Chad Salvadore, Director, Evidence-Based Consulting, University of Utah Sorenson Impact Center, David Eccles School of Business
• Cheryl C. Smith Past President, Autism Council of Utah
• Christina Guevara, Secondary School Principal, Spectrum Academy – North Salt Lake

LUNCH BREAK. 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

SESSION IV. 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Today’s Success Stories—Young Adults Demonstrate Their Goals for the Future

Meet a remarkable group of young adults with autism who will share the challenges and successes that are allowing them to join their peers in the workplace. They have all succeeded in attaining the position of “peer mentors,” working with other young adults with autism using a design program called “SketchUp” to teach vocational and social skills. They will demonstrate how the skills they have learned and the promise they have for careers and independent living.

• Moderator: Philippa Dunne, Co-Editor, The Liscio Report
• Amy Wadsworth, NextWork Program Director, Columbus Community Center
• Basil Harb, Principal, Method Studio
• Arthur Cheadle, Dylan Lamb, and Mason Dimock, peer mentors and graduates of the University of Utah NeuroVersity

CLOSING REMARKS. 12:45 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Thorkil Sonne, Founder, Specialisterne

BREAKOUT SESSIONS. 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Optimizing Autism—Support and Advocacy for Adults on the Spectrum

Finding Services–Resources for Families and Young Adults on the Spectrum