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• 3 hours
• In person
•  

About this event

Lutron Electronics and Jone Lang Lassalle (JLL) would like you to join us for an insightful evening with Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, as she celebrates her groundbreaking new book, "Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment."

This essential new resource offers practical, actionable strategies for creating spaces that empower neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals alike, fostering environments where every mind can thrive.

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussion: Hear from Kay Sargent and other leading experts, including Althea Kearney (Accessibility Consultant), Sean Hoffman (KPMG), Scott Gibson (COO, Melwood), and Ben Jensen (Landscape Designer), as they delve into the principles of neuroinclusive design, the business case for cognitive diversity, and how thoughtful environments can boost productivity, satisfaction, and innovation.
• Book Signing: Get your free copy of "Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces" signed by the author herself!
• Happy Hour and Networking: Connect with industry peers, professionals, and advocates passionate about creating more inclusive workplaces. Cocktails, mocktails and lite fare will be served.

Meet the Panelists:

Althea Kearney Accessibility Consultant Althea Kearney is an accessibility consultant with Neurodivergonomics. She is an expert in neuroinclusive design in the workplace. Her work focuses on helping companies incorporate practices that benefit neurodivergent employees, a group that makes up approximately 20% of the workforce and includes individuals with conditions such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Her contributions highlight the value of neurodivergent employees and the positive impact of neurodiversity on productivity and innovation within organizations. She is currently VP of operations at 2 Hour Learning.

Scott Gibson COO, Melwood Scott Gibson is the Chief Operating Officer at Melwood, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. He joined Melwood in 2013, bringing with him over a decade of expertise in public policy, strategic planning, and human resources management. In his role, Gibson is instrumental in shaping Melwood's long-term strategic objectives, enabling the organization to adapt to market changes and drive innovation in its services. He has been key in forging partnerships with industry leaders and community stakeholders, leading to the launch of innovative programs like abilIT, which prepares people with disabilities for careers in IT. His leadership extends beyond Melwood; he has served on the Community Health Resources Commission and chaired the Finance Subcommittee of a Task Force for the City of Annapolis. Gibson is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program and holds a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Mount St. Mary's University, where he also served as an adjunct professor of Political Science.

Sean Hoffman KPMG - Sean Hoffman is a partner at KPMG LLP, where he holds the position of National Partner-in-Charge of Risk Management for the firm's US Advisory Practice and the Americas Regional Risk Management Partner. Additionally, Sean leads KPMG's initiatives focused on expanding employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Melwood, a non-profit dedicated to securing employment for people with disabilities. Prior to his current roles, he instructed undergraduate courses in strategic analysis and business measurement at the University of California, Los Angeles' Anderson School of Business. Sean received his BBA in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame.

Ben Jensen Landscape Designer Benjamin Jensen is a landscape designer with a focus on neuroinclusive environments. His work in landscape and urban design began with exploring his own sensory sensitivities, particularly within the autistic experience. He developed a methodology for sensory analysis of sites, which earned him an ASLA Honors Award in Research for his thesis. Benjamin's research highlights the wide variety of sensory experiences across the autism spectrum and the need for designs that address these diverse needs. He advocates for creating spaces that are not only accessible for physical disabilities but also mindful of cognitive differences, recognizing that many neurodivergent needs in public design have gone unaddressed. He aims to expand understandings of autism and generate new methods of landscape analysis to lead to more mindful and inclusive design of the public realm. Benjamin is also a co-founder of the NeuroScapes Design Collective, which aims to advance discourse on the intersections between landscape design, urban design, and sensory sensitivities and neurodiversity. He is a landscape designer with AECOM