6th Annual Diversity Event

June 12, 2024, 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Scott Conference Center

Join us as we celebrate the 6th Annual Diversity Event at the UNO Scott Conference Center (6450 Pine Street, Omaha, NE - near Aksarben)! This year we're focusing on Neurodiversity and have a great line up for you.

10:45-11:00 Check-In

11:00-11:30 Lunch/Networking

11:30-1:00 Tim Goldstein, Autistic Philosopher of Neurodiversity: Life in the Neuro Cloud: Keynote-Neurodiversity: Understanding and Celebrating our Unique Strengths and Differences

Join Tim Goldstein as he takes us on a journey of Neurodiversity and the neurodistinct. His real-life stories illustrating how differently individuals can perceive, process, and think will be eye-opening and help the audience to better understand, communicate with, and find commonality with neurodistinct individuals. Tim will cover why diversity is more effective than a monoculture, how accepting people as their true selves creates better communication and relationships, and how many individuals’ uniqueness is invisible and must be considered and not assumed based on personal perspective. This will be a keynote to remember!

1:05-2:05 Tasha Everman, Assistant Dean, UNO College of Law: Reframing Differences as Advantages: CliftonStrengths® and Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a term predicated on the idea that autism, AD(H)D, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other developmental/learning conditions are differences to be embraced not diseases to be cured. In this session, Tasha Everman, J.D., will explore how using the CliftonStrengths® assessment and a strengths-based approach can empower neurodiverse individuals to unlock and leverage their innate talents. The session will also discuss strategies for fostering inclusive environments that embrace neurodiversity and leverage the strengths of all individuals. Participants will leave with actionable insights to create more inclusive and strengths-based environments.

2:10-3:10 Neurodiversity and the Law

The human mind is a marvel of complexity, with each individual's cognitive processes unique in their own right. Neurodiversity, encompassing a range of neurological differences, is now recognized as a significant aspect of human variation, with an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the global population falling under its umbrella. Despite the incredible potential demonstrated by neurodivergent individuals, societal misconceptions and biases still hinder their access to education and employment opportunities. However, there is a growing awareness of the value neurodiversity brings, prompting organizations to implement intentional programs aimed at fostering inclusion and leveraging the talents of neurodiverse individuals. Nevertheless, legal frameworks often lag behind societal progress, necessitating a closer examination of current obligations and emerging trends in education and employment law, particularly regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

3:25-4:25 Kuntay Talay (Director of Construction Controls at Kiewit Design-Build Operations), Justin Dougherty (Autism Action Partnership) and Tim Goldstein: Neurodiversity Panel Discussion

In this panel, our keynote speaker will be joined by Kuntay Talay of Kiewit and Justin Dougherty of AAP to discuss additional topics including Kiewit’s Neurodiversity Hiring Program. Kuntay will provide background on the program, successes and lessons learned, as well as next steps for Kiewit. For companies interested in starting their own programs, this is one session you won’t want to miss! We’ll also explore additional topics and answer any burning questions from the previous presentations.

Click here to register.

Click here to register multiple attendees.

Click here to view the NePA calendar.