Elaine Hall, Founder of The Miracle Project, shares her pioneering story about using inclusive theater and film to connect with individuals with autism. Elaine’s students have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the White House, and appeared in television shows such as Atypical, The Good Doctor, Parenthood and Speechless. The Miracle Project is profiled in the Emmy winning HBO documentary, Autism, The Musical.

Aaron Markovits, Program Director for the Taft College Transition to Independent Living Program, shares the details of how this program works. The TIL program incorporates teaching independent living skills with college campus living while simultaneously supporting the student in their academic pursuits. 

Jack Darakjian, CEO of the Modern Support Services organization and Commissioner on Los Angeles County’s Commission on Disabilities, talks about various housing choices available to those with special needs as well as the support services that go along with living the most independent lifestyle possible. 

Nicole Mevs-Martin, MFT, discusses ways in which we can emotionally support those in our lives with special needs during difficult or challenging circumstances as well as various therapeutic techniques that can be used to assist during these times. 

Tina Castro and Heidi Perez of the FACT organization describe how to navigate the maze of secondary education which can be confusing and challenging for anyone. They provide insight on services available to the special needs community on 2 and 4 year college campuses and how to access those services. Although they are based in Los Angeles, CA, their advice is applicable across the country. 

Dr. Ian Hale, author of the book, “Asperger’s, Autism and You”, discusses the challenges and importance of getting a proper diagnosis and how these conditions may present differently depending on the gender of the person with special needs. Dr. Hale is on the spectrum himself. You may check out his book here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k9k8zp

David Terk of Serenitas Special Needs Planning discusses the importance of creating a comprehensive plan for your loved one with special needs, including details on the financial, social and day to day aspects. He specifically talks about something called a Letter of Intent, a document that should be a part of everyone’s life planning arsenal.

Gail Carrier, co-founder of the Ourtism organization, talks about some of the difficulties in getting the right diagnosis for those on the spectrum as well as the challenges faced in the higher education and employment areas. Ourtism addresses these challenges with various services and programs that are available on a nationwide basis. 

Claudia Wenger of Claudia Cares Consulting discusses the details in creating and the importance of having a solid transition plan in place for your child with special needs well before they leave high school and enter the realm of adulthood.