2023 Symposium: Reviews Worth Sharing with More to Come in 2024!
Join us at this year’s 13th First Place Global Symposium—in person in Phoenix or via webinar—as we explore dimensions that define our community and work together to fuel a new marketplace of home, healthcare and community options for adults with autism and/or neurodevelopmental disabilities. Take a moment to read what people say about their symposium experience—and register here to attend this year’s event.
Be Ready, Be Employed, Be Proud!
The First Place Global Leadership Institute’s Be Ready℠ Employment Readiness Program for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities, neurodiversities and/or mental health diagnoses completed another successful online cohort on July 30, with more scheduled for Tuesday Aug. 13 and 27. Be Ready prepares you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to get hired and succeed in the workplace. Be Ready, be employed, be proud! Register today.
Mark Your Calendar for the Next Spark the Spectrum Event
The success of last month’s special event sponsored by Vote the Spectrum has sparked plans for the next one on Monday, September 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix. Scheduled guests include U.S. Representative Greg Stanton, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and representatives from Maricopa County Elections. Stay tuned for details coming soon!
Disability Pride Month Aligned with ADA Anniversary
July is Disability Pride Month honoring the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrating disability as a natural part of human diversity. We asked First Place–Phoenix residents to share their thoughts about this powerful movement, which encourages individuals to embrace their disabilities as integral aspects of their identity and advocates for inclusion, accessibility and equal rights.
Roller skating is said to improve balance, build muscle and increase endurance. Residents and staff recently laced up and proved it can also be a lot of fun!
On a visit to the Phoenix Art Museum, residents had a blast taking in the “Barbie®: A Cultural Icon” exhibition, exploring her history, her fashion, and of course, her car. Honk if you love Barbie!
Peppers abound in the summer months and foodie residents—led by wellness specialist Rebecca Bauer, who has a knack for healthy eating—recently prepared this easy, colorful and tasty recipe.
The latest visit to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West had residents following the path of Lewis and Clark to journey through history.
First Place–Phoenix Residents Sure Get Around!
In this fun video, we explore the many ways residents navigate life as they head to work, take a flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or visit family and friends.
First Place AZ Shares Benefits of Hiring Neurodivergent Apprentices
First Place AZ Director of Employment & Community Inclusion Natasha Grant Holmberg recently spoke at the July dinner of the National Tooling & Machining Association – Arizona Chapter (ATMA) about the benefits of hiring neurodivergent apprentices. With an abundance of employment opportunities created by ATMA, Skill Up AZ, the Uniquely Abled Academy and the First Place Global Leadership Institute, her talk was perfectly timed!
First Place Global Leadership Institute’s D.C. Visit Offers Insights
Denise D. Resnik, First Place AZ founder & president/CEO, offers insights in her blog about the Global Leadership Institute’s visit to the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C.