The holidays can be stressful for many, but wishing all as much rest and comfort in the way that works for them as possible!

A nice summary graphic of the types of programs that the over $500 billion in federal investments that benefit children support, as well as the short- and long-term benefits accrued from them.

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay. Tell your overthinking brain not to overthink what that one means too much. But, also, ask someone if they're okay, and normalize that not being okay is not a personal failing! (Comic Credit: Heart and Brain Comics from The Awkward Yeti.)

"One of the simplest recommendations we make for inclusivity is remote work. This is an easy option - easier than many others - that we encourage employers to look at first as they consider return-to-work policies." Jennifer Carlson @ Inclusive Apprenticeships #LiveAtUrban

One of most requested accommodations for disabled workers is a learning development plan. #1 request area for inclusivity assistance is in neurodiversity space for assistance w/job & apprenticeship placement. Jennifer Carlson @ Designing Inclusive Apprenticeships #LiveAtUrban

Scott Robertson: Partnerships on Inclusive Apprenticeships @ ODEP now has had over 60k participants across the networks @ Designing Inclusion Apprenticeships #LiveAtUrban https://t.co/mpa9DdZw08

"Vocation Rehabilitation Agencies are important partners" connecting disabled eligible applicants to quality apprenticeships. Job coaches can learn how to reassure disabled applicants, help facilitate accommodations requests, etc. @ Inclusive Apprenticeship Programs #LiveAtUrban

"The majority of employers have no costs associated with accommodations, and of those employers who have costs? The average cost in a recent survey was $300." - Karen Gardiner dispeling myths that inclusivity is "too expensive" @ Designing Inclusive Apprenticeships #LiveAtUrban

Daniel Kuehn's hypotheses for low self-id rates of disability @ Designing Inclusive Apprenticeships #LiveAtUrban Image: Slide 1% self-id rate stat w/ three hypotheses: - Lack of Accessibility - N/A most popular option - Up to 58% may doubt info will be used to aid disabled

The University of Wisconsin-Madison & Bluebird Way Foundation are developing Family-Led Academic Grand (FLAG) Rounds focused on addressing ableism in pediatrics. Using #FamilyEnagement & #Storytelling to improve healthcare. See below! (Oct. 1 deadline) https://t.co/ox86wjFzzL

"This conference is abt hiring more neurodivergent people. If you want to hire more [of them?] Make the app process easier for them. A lot of job applications are set up so it seems like they are trying to subtly weed out people w/executive function difficulties." - Michael Lewis

"The opposite of anxiety is not calm. It's trust. The trust that when something bad happens, you will get up again." @mjcarley on an #assumetrauma & #neurodiverse positive way to address bias. @Northeastern Regional Higher Education Conference

"I'm not that smart. I shouldn't be 1 of 3 people running college autism groups." @mjcarley not giving himself credit (a very ND trait...) & also highlighting how critical it is that autistics have a say in how edu & workforce programs meant for them are designed. #Neurodiversity

"Normalize taking breaks and taking care of yourself." - good advice not just for neurodiverse college students @CarnegieMellon's Neurodiverse Career Readiness Program but everyone

Day 2!

Roadmap for new employer partners looking to expand opportunities for #neurodiverse candidates in the workplace from Erik Brenner, Kyle Oddis @4Neurodiversity & network employer partner @BostonChildrens @Northeastern Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition Conference.

"If you hit a wall on a project & you have an autistic or ADHD person go 'Hey, have you thought abt it like this? Then you'll realize why you want them." Bridget Smyser on the value the 85% of neurodiverse folks who are unemployed or underemployed could bring to the workplace.

"I got in trouble a lot for asking why. People thought I was challenging them. But, I really just needed to know how my skills applied to a new situation. I needed to manage my own change." Bridget Smyser on how to understand autistic communication & bridge the gaps w/NTs @ work.

"Nobody likes to be the object of someone's pity. We are complete, joyful human beings." Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin on why choice of language around neurodiversity matters. The community needs to lead language choice. Each individual deserves autonomy in their own self-identity terms.

"The one accommodation that I have that I haven't had to ask for [as ND] is my own office. In this world of shared offices? I am terrified I'll lose that & never get anything done." - Bridget Smyser on how simple accommodations can make all the difference for ND folks.