Register now for United Nations Autism Day virtual event on 4/8
Apr. 7, 2021—You can register now to attend the UN’s annual World Autism Awareness Day program at this link! It will take place on Thursday, April 8, from 9-10am Central Time (10-11am EST). The event, which is typically held in person at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, is virtual this year due to COVID-19....
Jobs for Humanity seeking volunteers for neurodiversity employment initiative
Apr. 2, 2021—The Frist Center for Autism & Innovation has partnered with Jobs for Humanity, a new web-based initiative promoted employment for underserved communities, to further empower neurodivergent adults in the workplace. Jobs for Humanity is planning to launch its “Jobs for the Neurodivergent” branch the week of April 19th, and they are seeking volunteers! In order...
Frist Center hosting full calendar of Autistic Pride Month events
Mar. 29, 2021—The Frist Center will be celebrating April as Autistic Pride Month by hosting a series of engaging webinars and panels. Here’s a brief overview of our upcoming events – there may be small changes to the further-out events, which we will update this article to reflect, so be sure to check back here for the...
Registration open for TN Disability Employment Awareness Luncheon on April 13th
Mar. 23, 2021—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation believes that businesses which are inclusive of people with disabilities – in recruitment, retention, and advancement – benefit from a wider pool of talent, skills, and creative business solutions. With that in mind, the Frist Center is sponsoring Disability Rights Tennessee’s “Disability Employment Awareness Luncheon” (DEAL) on April...
March 30th Autistics’ Roundtable Webinar will address autism on screen
Mar. 22, 2021—The next Autistics’ Roundtable Webinar will be all about autism and disability in entertainment media! It will take place at 10am central time on Tuesday, 3/30. Anyone and everyone is invited to join, using this Zoom link at 10am (CST) on Tuesday. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from three autistic adults, including Frist Center...
EY looking to hire hundreds of neurodivergent employees
Mar. 8, 2021—Ernst & Young (EY) has made the exciting decision to add hundreds of neurodivergent employees to their staff over the next few years. They are specifically recruiting individuals with a background in technology, coding or data analysis. Applicants are being screened on a rolling basis, and interested parties are encouraged to apply now! EY’s Nashville...
Interest session for neurodivergent Vanderbilt employees, or employees with neurodivergent family/friends
Feb. 22, 2021—On Thursday February 25th at 5 p.m. CT, Vanderbilt’s Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be hosting a virtual interest session to propose starting a Neurodiversity Employee Affinity Group at Vanderbilt. Individuals who identify as neurodivergent, parents of neurodivergent individuals and anyone else who is interested in or impacted by this topic are welcome...
“This Moment in America” event to feature Frist staffer as panelist
Feb. 22, 2021—This week, Vanderbilt’s Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting an event intended to gather minority perspectives on the present state of life in America. The event will feature a panel of diverse Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff, moderated by Dr. André L. Churchwell, the vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief...
Tennessean op-ed on ableism in media, Sia’s “Music,” written by autistic advocate
Feb. 16, 2021—The Tennessean, a USA Today network newspaper, recently published an opinion article written by Frist Center communications coordinator Claire Barnett. The piece, titled “Disabled characters should be played by disabled actors | Opinion,” explains into the importance of disabled people having a first-person voice in their own media representation. Barnett, who is autistic and ADHD,...
Workforce Readiness and Preparation camp registration open for summer 2021
Feb. 12, 2021—This upcoming summer, the Currey Ingram Academy will be hosting a three-week program called Workforce Readiness and Preparation (WRaP) for autistic students age 15-20. Currey Ingram Academy and the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation initially collaborated to develop WRaP three years ago. The WRaP program exists to help students diagnosed with autism strengthen their...