2026 Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair
March 4, 2026 @ 9:00AM — 3:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Goodwill Opportunity Campus: 5301 Wilkinson Blvd Charlotte, NC 28208 Get Directions
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Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair
Register as a participant or employer for the 3rd Annual Abilities Employment Symposium (AES) + Job Fair. This symposium is sponsored by Bank of America, led by The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte and LIFESPAN Services and planned with a team from AllAbility Solutions, KennedyStrong Foundation, Philips Academy, and Work Together NC.
Join us for a day dedicated to expanding inclusive employment in our region. Sponsored by Bank of America and hosted at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, the Abilities Employment Symposium provides hands-on tools, employer connections, and real-world practice to help individuals with IDD explore meaningful career opportunities.
Participants will take part in breakout sessions, mock interviews, and direct networking with employers who value inclusive hiring.
Employers will have access to two waves of job seekers: school-based students (morning) and adults with IDD (afternoon).
Date: Wednesday March 4, 2026
Time: See Session times below
Location: Goodwill Opportunity Campus
Cost: Free- Participating in the event is free to all attendees, courtesy of time donated by collaborating organizations and sponsored by Bank of America.
Food: There is a Cafe available for lunch (for purchase only)
Mock Interview sign up: Seperate sign up for students and adults who are one-on-one interview ready. Must submit resumes by Feb 1.
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1. School-Based Session (Students & Educators)
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Who should register:
- High school transition students
- EC teachers & vocational educators
- School-based teams supporting employment readiness
Session includes:
- Breakout sessions on employment preparation
- Mock interviews with real employers
- Employment readiness toolkits
- Networking with companies hiring within the IDD community
2. Adult Community Session (Adults with IDD)
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Who should register:
- Adults with IDD seeking employment
- Individuals preparing for interviews or workplace readiness
- Community partners supporting adult job seekers
Session includes:
- Mock interviews
- Breakout sessions with Bank of America
- Employment toolkits
- Networking with inclusive employers
3. Employer Registration – Job Fair Exhibitor
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Who should register:
- Employers currently hiring individuals with disabilities
- Employers interested in inclusive hiring practices
- Organizations/groups wanting to participate in both student & adult job fair waves
Exhibitor experience includes:
- All-day employer booth
- Engagement with two candidate groups (students & adults)
- Opportunity to conduct informal on the spot interviews/conversations
- Employer networking & resource access