2025 Abilities Employment Symposium

The Abilities Employment Symposium (AES) is dedicated to advancing workforce inclusion for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Our symposium specifically caters to two key groups:

1.) Individuals with I/DD who are actively seeking employment or vocational training opportunities.

2.) Employers who are committed to creating inclusive workplace environments and are ready to hire individuals with disabilities.

--in addition--

AES provides valuable education for parents, covering essential topics such as job opportunities, SSI education, and the transition to adulthood.

Date: Wednesday April 2, 2025

Time: Participants 9am-3pm (early departure at 1pm for school groups as needed) Vendors set up from 7am-7:30am end by 3pm

Location: Goodwill Opportunity Campus 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Lunch: Lunch during Panel discussion will be provided to all participants and sponsored by Bank of America (please indicate general dietary needs in questions following registration).

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We are excited for this 2nd Annual AES (collaborative symposium) to embark on a new opportunity for our I/DD community and inclusive employers as a platform for networking and get invaluable information on next steps on individual employment path.

We invite individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD) in the community, school aged students, teachers, caregivers to attend one of the scheduled sessions of our Abilities Employment Symposium. Inclusive businesses, resource groups and organizations will be in attendance to share valuable information with participants who are seeking guidance on their employment journey. These diverse areas of connection encompass, but are not limited to:

• Networking with Inclusive Employers
• Work Foundations
• School Programs
• Job Training
• Bridge to Employment
• Inclusive Businesses
• Supported Employment Services
• Employer Services
• Family Services

Agenda:

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Coffee and Connection

• Networking with Employers, led by Anessa with AllAbility Solutions

9:00 - 9:45 AM
KICKOFF ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Group meeting and interactive activity for parents, teachers, IDD participants, and employers (e.g., yoga or similar engagement)

9:45 - 10:00 AM
Transition

• Move to mock interviews and employer/vendor connections

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mock Interviews with Bank of America and Employer Connections

• Mock interviews and breakout sessions for IDD participants, employer connections, and vendor fair

12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch and Panel Discussion (for all attendees- vendors, employers, participants and parents/teachers, supporters)

1:00 - 1:15 PM
Transition

• Move from lunch to downstairs conference room for team-building

1:00 - 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions for Parents

• Three 30-minute sessions

1:15 - 1:45 PM
Team-Building Activity

• Employer and Participant Team Building led by KSF

2:00 - 2:45 PM
Mock Interviews and Employer Connections

• Continued mock interviews, employer connections, and vendor fair