Past Webinar

This webinar was presented on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, by Melanie Whetzel, M.A., CBIS.

Resources:

Presentation slides

JAN Neurodiversity Handout

OAR Resources

Video Transcript

Webinar Description: What is neurodiversity? What disabilities and characteristics best describe someone who fits under this umbrella term? Is being neurodiverse a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Join Melanie Whetzel, principal consultant from the Job Accommodation Network, for a session that focuses on autism and neurodiversity in the workplace. Learn what this concept means and how autistic individuals may be covered as persons with a disability under the ADA. She discussed disclosure, accommodations, performance and conduct, and more. This session included real-life examples and allowed time for questions.

Melanie Whetzel is a principal consultant and team lead for the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), the leading national source of expert guidance on workplace accommodation and disability employment issues. Prior to her career with JAN, she taught and advocated for students with disabilities in the public school system for 14 years. She holds a Master of Arts in special education and a Bachelor of Arts in English. She has completed a graduate certification in career planning and placement for youth in transition and is also a certified brain injury specialist.