Schedule

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time, USA, UTC -05:00

April 4, 2024

9:30-10:00: Dawn-Marie Solais, founder of Neuroawesome Life and Neuroharmony Events kicks off the event with welcome and explanation of the purpose of the event

10:00-11:00: Jenna Gensic: co-author of The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy will help us frame the importance of accurate, engaged, compassionate, and informed allyship

11:15-12:30: Dr Sheena Mason will share her Theory of Racelessness and help us understand how this theory is important in safe space community building

1:00-1:45: Dawn-Marie Solais will share concepts of Universal Design as they relate to safe space community

2:00-3:00: Candace Linklater will share the connections of being informed about and the intersection of indigenous rights and education 

3:30-4:30: Sara Chobot will teach us about being trauma informed and about ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences and how this information is vital to safe space community

4:45-5:15: Dawn-Marie Solais will help put the day's ideas into connected frameworks and engage with the audience about their experience of the day.


April 5, 2024

9:30: Dawn-Marie Solais will get the day going with a welcome and explanation of the day

10:00-11:30 am: LIVE ONLY Lorretta J Ross will introduce us to Calling In, a concept of relationship and communication that is vital to safe space community

noon-1:15: Intersectionality Panel - moderated by Dawn-Marie Solais

  • Tristen Hayflinger - Neurodivergent Trans teen and neurodivergent advocate

  • Adriana Ragland - Neurodivergent mom of neurodivergent and disabled child, advocate, founder of Neurodiversity Network of Western New York

  • Nym Dawson - Neurodivergent non-binary advocate, community builder, and valued member of the Neuroawesome Life team

1:30-2:30: Lyric Rivera, also known as NeuroDivergent Rebel, will share their perspectives on safe space community in both social and business spaces

3:00-4:15: Therapy Panel - What makes therapy safe and effective for neurodivergent people, and why therapists need to know

  • Melody Murray: therapist

  • Laurie Belanger: social worker

  • Sara Chobot: trauma and ACEs expert

  • Michelle Hunt: therapist 

  • Leilani Bateman: coach

4:20-5:00: Samantha Chipman will talk with Dawn-Marie Solais about their efforts on a college campus to provide intellectual and social outlets for neurodivergent people and about their work with the concept of Restorative Justice and why it's needed in safe space community design

5:15-6:15: Bridgette Hamstead Neurodiversity Affirming Communities as a Paradigm Shift
Attendees will learn about the planning, development, and impact of such centers, exemplified by Fish in a Tree's success in fostering understanding, support, and collaboration.

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Meet the Speakers