The Bottom Line of Disabilities
Date: Monday, April 10, 2017
Columbus Community Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Replacing the Autism Puzzle with a Blueprint of Social Innovation
Presentation Documents
Presentation VideosEvent Detail
The Bottom Line of Disabilities
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 3rd 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
Event Location
Speakers
David E. Altig, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Adviser, Federal Reserve Bank of AtlantaDavid E. Altig is executive vice president and chief economic adviser at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He serves on the executive leadership team for the Bank's economic mobility and resilience strategic priority, is an executive cosponsor of the Working Families Employee Resource Network, and is an adviser to the executive leadership committee.
Teresa A. Cardon
Director, Melisa Nellesen Autism CenterTeresa A. Cardon, PhD., CCC-SLP, BCBA-D has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum for over 20 years. Dr. Cardon completed her doctoral training in Speech & Hearing Science with an autism emphasis at Arizona State University and is currently the Interim Director of the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center at Utah Valley University. Dr. Cardon has […]
Cathy Chambless, Ph.D.
Senior Research Associate, Kem C. Policy InstituteDr. Chambless received her B.A. in Sociology from Santa Clara University, a Master in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah, and Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy at the University of Utah, writing her dissertation on the relationship between natural supports and […]
Arthur Cheadle
Peer Mentor and Graduate of the University of Utah NeuroVersityArthur Cheadle enjoys computers and hardware a lot more than most kids his age; he began putting together a computer when he was 11 and has been taking stuff apart since he as a child. He loves being able to do things with his hands and taught himself how to use almost every software he […]
Mason Dimock
Peer Mentor and Graduate of the University of Utah NeuroVersityMason Dimock is 19 years old, and he is on the autism spectrum. He enjoys designing and building. Mason was 12 years old when he first participated with the University of Utah’s NeuroVersity program where he was introduced to and mastered SketchUp design software. Over the last 7 years, this has led to a number […]
Philippa Dunne
Co-Editor, The Liscio Report and Sightlines BulletinPhilippa Dunne is co-editor of two independent macro-economic newsletters: The Liscio Report, with a trading focus, and Sightlines Bulletin, which takes a longer perspective.
Elliot Francis
Co-Founder of Optimizing Utah, Autism Advocate, and IT Project Manager at University of Utah Health SciencesElliot Francis is a graduate of the Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah and a Co-Founder of Optimizing Autism. Having worked as a successful systems analyst and IT project manager during college and after graduation, Elliot has a breadth of expertise in cross-domain systems and solutions. His major projects include the development and […]
Natalie Gochnour
Director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of UtahNatalie Gochnour serves as an associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. She also serves as the chief economist for the Salt Lake Chamber. In these roles she helps connect the Eccles School with the broader business community and shares applied economic and business research. Gochnour’s experience includes a diverse mix of public service and business experience. From 2006 to 2013 she guided the public policy work of the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest business association, representing 7,700 member businesses. She helped create and lead the Downtown Rising movement, helped pass a ballot initiative to secure funds for the expansion of Utah’s TRAX light rail and FrontRunner commuter rail service, and assisted with the drafting and promotion of The Utah Compact.
Megan E. Greene
Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy SchoolMegan has been a leading voice in global macroeconomics on both sides of the Atlantic for the past 15 years. She is currently a Senior Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. Her role includes teaching and writing, and her main focus is the drivers of wage and income inequality globally.
Christina Guevara
Secondary School Principal, Spectrum Academy - North Salt LakeChristina Guevara, originally from California, first began her career working with children with autism as a home behavior therapist in 2003. She was promoted to case manager and oversaw assessment and programming for children at Working With Autism, Inc. In 2007, she moved with her family to Utah where she began work as a 3rd […]
Basil Harb
Principal, Method StudioBasil was raised in Seattle, and found his new home in Salt Lake City in August 2004. He completed his degree in architecture at the University of Arizona, where sustainability in architecture is a core mindset. His experience in the southwest lends itself to dealing with design issues in our own high-desert environment.
Safia Keller
Chief Employment Development Officer, Columbus Community CenterSafia comes to Columbus with 10 years of experience in fundraising and 11 years of experience in sales and program creation. She worked at Westminster College as director of corporate relations for 10 years and prior to that was the group and corporate sales director for 14 cities for Broadway Across America for 11 years.
David Kotok
Chief Investment Officer of Cumberland AdvisorsDavid Kotok co-founded Cumberland Advisors in 1973 and has been its Chief Investment Officer since inception. David’s articles and financial market commentaries have appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and other publications. He is a frequent contributor to Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Radio, Yahoo Finance TV, and other media.
Dylan Lamb
Peer Mentor and Graduate of the University of Utah NeuroVersityDylan Lamb is a young man on the autism spectrum. Dylan is the kind of person who’s had to crawl and claw to get to where he is today, luckily with the help and support of his family and friends. He is also a very kind young man who has dreams just to have a […]
Stephanie Mackay
Board Director, Switchpoint Community Resource CenterStephanie has spent the last two decades in the nonprofit sector working as a social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader where she brings a strong voice to the table to promote solutions for the most vulnerable citizens in our communities.
William McMahon
Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of UtahAs chairman of the psychiatry department since 2007, Dr. William McMahon has worked to build excellent clinical services and systems of care at the University of Utah. He is board certified in adult psychiatry and in the sub-specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry.
Monica Rafferty, CCIM
V.P. Commercial Sales & Leasing, Coldwell Banker Commercial AdvisorsMonica Rafferty is vice president of Commercial Sales and Leasing at Coldwell Banker Commercial. She has more than 20 years of experience in investments, and works with clients to map out a strategy for using commercial real estate to achieve business goals and increase the bottom line. She specializes in negotiating “added value” transactions by analyzing properties and identifying their unique opportunities.
John Rockefeller
Managing Partner, AutLifeJack Rockefeller JD MPH DrPH retired as Associate Dean, Global Health Solutions at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. He was chief architect of a centralized innovation funding and program development model for health projects at the Medical School and in cooperation with all health programming at Dartmouth College. While at Dartmouth. Jack also directed the first Pervasive Developmental Disabilities research group at the Center for Technology and Behavioral Health. Jack is currently a member of the Autism Steering Group hosted by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, and Managing Partner of AutLife – a Utah based applied research group on Autism Spectrum programming and funding.
Chad Salvadore
Chief Financial Officer of Sorenson ImpactChad is the Chief Financial Officer of Sorenson Impact. In this role, he leads internal financial oversight, coordinating with government, nonprofit, and private clients alike. He also oversees the student associate program and works to ensure that the dozens of student associates have rich exposure to Sorenson Impact’s work — ranging from impact investing to policy advisory.
Cheryl C. Smith
Past President, Autism Council of UtahA longtime autism advocate, is Past President and a founding member of the Autism Council of Utah, serves on the board of Valley Behavioral Health and the Pingree Center for Children with Autism, is a founding member of Utah FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatments), and is appointed by the Governor as chair of the Autism Treatment Account Advisory Committee. She has received the Autism Advocacy Award from Autism Speaks, the Mental Health Advocate Award, the Council for Exceptional Children’s Ben Bruse Distinguished Service award, and was instrumental in passing the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship legislation of 2005, which is named after her son, and makes state funding available for private school scholarships awarded to Utah students with disabilities.
Ken R. Smith
Distinguished Professor, Family and Consumer Studies, University of UtahAs Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator and Director of the Pedigree and Population Resource at the University of Utah, Ken has conducted health-related research for 30 years. He has served as principal investigator on several past and current NIH grants on aging and cancer.
Thorkil Sonne
Founder, Specialisterne and the Specialist People FoundationThorkil Sonne is internationally recognized for his work founding Specialisterne (Danish for “The Specialists”) and the Specialist People Foundation. In partnership, these two organizations are working towards the goal of creating job opportunities through social entrepreneurship, corporate partnerships and innovative employment models for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Amy Wadsworth
NextWork Program Director, Columbus Community CenterAmy M. Wadsworth works as the Manager of NextWork Autism Programs at Columbus Community Center. Amy earned her Master’s Degree in Human Development and Social Policy with a Disability Studies Certificate at the University of Utah, and looks forward to building more and better ways to help individuals on the autism spectrum find and keep […]
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