Autism Works
April 30, 2026 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration & Breakfast at 7:30 am
SpIndL Funky Festival
April 30, 2026 6:00pm – 9:00pm
THE BAKERY DISTRICT – FORT SMITH
HOSTED BY: SPECTRUM INDEPENDENCE LIVING
April 30, 2026 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Autism Works is a one-day community training experience designed to support neurodivergent adults, their families, and local businesses through education, connection, and real-world practice.
This event brings together speakers, breakout training sessions, community resources, and interactive experiences to promote inclusive hiring and workplace understanding across the River Valley.
At the heart of the day is a shared goal:
helping neurodivergent adults and local employers learn how to communicate, collaborate, and grow—together.
Autism Works is designed for:
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Neurodivergent adults (17+) exploring employment or career growth
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Families and caregivers seeking resources and support
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Local employers and business leaders
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HR professionals and hiring managers
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Educators, service providers, and community advocates
Why Autism Works?
Because employment, independence, and community connection don’t happen in isolation.
This event was created to:
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Launch neurodiversity-inclusive hiring efforts in the River Valley
Providing education and practical training for businesses ready to build more inclusive workplaces. -
Support neurodivergent adults with career readiness
Including communication skills, interview preparation, and confidence-building experiences. -
Create meaningful connections
Between neurodivergent individuals, families, employers, and local support organizations. -
Offer hands-on learning for everyone involved
Through breakout sessions tailored to different needs and perspectives. -
Encourage long-term independence and local employment
Helping individuals build skills and opportunities within their own community.
Signature Experience: Mock Interviews
(This Is the Magic)
At the end of the day, participants will have the opportunity to take part in mock interview sessions with area businesses.
These sessions are designed to be supportive, educational, and low-pressure.
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Neurodivergent adults gain real interview practice and feedback.
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Businesses learn how to communicate more effectively with neurodivergent candidates.
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Both sides build confidence, understanding, and mutual respect.
This experience turns learning into action—and often becomes the most impactful part of the day.
Event Tickets
AUTISM WORKS TRAINING DAY TICKET
Regular $99
Early Bird $79
VIP EVENT TICKET
Regular $250
- Includes admission to the Autism Works Training Day and SpIndL Funky Festival Evening Event
- Private Networking and cocktail hour with our keynote speaker Danny Combs
SpIndL Funky Festival Evening Event
Regular $57
Early Bird $47
Full Table Reservation
At the SpIndL Funky Festival Evening Event
Regular $500
Early Bird $450
Early Bird pricing through March 10, 2026
Registration deadline is April 20, 2026
Autism works Agenda
8:00 AM — Welcome / Event Kickoff (Lori Hull)
8:30 AM — Keynote Speaker: Danny Combs
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Caregiver Track: Special Needs Trust (Gentry Wahlmeier & Micah Brown)
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Neurodivergent Track: Momentum Method (Katy Kaumeyer)
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Business Track: Apprenticeships & Neurodivergent Talent: An Arkansas Workforce and WIOA Aligned Approach (Tammy Predmore)
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Caregiver Track: Staying Encouraged and Fueled While You Care and Give (JoAnna Cole-Brewer)
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Neurodivergent Track: Resumes Workshop (Kendrick Greene)
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Business Track: Understanding Drives Inclusion: Bridging the Employment Gap Through Competitive, Integrated Employment (Jonathan Taylor)
11:45 AM — Lunch + Explore the Resource Hall
12:30 PM — Panel Discussion (moderated by Lori Hull)
Panelists: Danny Combs • Parker Lehnen • Jonathan Taylor • Kristin Johnson
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Caregiver Track: Special Needs Estate Planning (Harry Ehrenberg)
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Neurodivergent Track: Adapting Communication Style for the Environment (Ebony Tyson)
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Business Track: Autism-friendly Hiring and Interviewing (Parker Lehnen)
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Caregiver Track: CGN Podcast: Building a Circle of Care (Reggie Cunningham & Marlon Phillips)
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Neurodivergent Track: Interviewing Workshop (Parker Lehnen)
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Business Track: Equipped for Success: Practical Resources for Hiring and Retaining Neurodivergent Staff
(Christian Zimmerman & Bailey Smith)
4:00–5:00 PM — Mock Interviews (Neurodivergent & Business Together)
4:00–5:00 PM — VIP Hour with Danny Combs (VIP ticket required)
EvenING Fundraiser Event
6:00–9:00 PM — SpIndl Funky Festival: Live Music • Dancing • Open Bar • Silent Auction • 50/50 Drawing
(Held at the Bakery District — Fort Smith)
Event Location
The Bakery District in Fort Smith
A welcoming, accessible community space designed for collaboration, learning, and connection. With a coffee shop, food vendors and more, the Bakery District in Fort Smith is geared around community connection and the perfect location for Autism Works
Located at 70 S Seventh St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Parking for the Bakery District can be found here: https://bakeryfs.com/parking-map/
The SpIndL Funky Festival is Back!
Get ready for a night of color, music, movement, and community at the SpIndL Funky Festival, returning to the always-awesome Bakery District!
This feel-good evening is all about big vibes for an even bigger purpose. Expect live music, dancing, bold self-expression, and a whole lot of joy as families, friends, and local supporters come together to celebrate inclusion and connection.
The Funky Festival isn’t just a party—it’s a community-powered celebration supporting SpIndL and its mission to help young autistic and neurodivergent adults in the River Valley build skills, confidence, and pathways toward independent living.
Break out the bell bottoms, dust off the tie-dye, and lean fully into your funkiest self. Whether you come to dance, connect, or simply soak up the good vibes, you’ll be part of something meaningful—proof that when a community shows up together, joy can absolutely fuel impact.
Come for the funk. Stay for the mission. Leave knowing you helped make a difference.
Our Sponsors
Event Speakers
Danny Combs - Keynote
TACT/Neurodiversity in Colorado
Danny Combs is a nationally recognized leader in advancing equitable employment opportunities for neurodivergent and disabled individuals. As the inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, he works directly with state leadership to shape inclusive workforce policy.
He is also the founder of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) and co-founder of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, uniting more than 100 businesses to create meaningful, well-paid career pathways for neurodistinct individuals nationwide.
Lori Hull - Opening Speech and Panel Facilitator
President and Founder of SpIndL
Lori Hull is the President and Founder of SpIndL and a longtime advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace and community. After a 27-year career at ArcBest Technologies, she now focuses on creating affordable, local programs that support neurodivergent young adults and their families on the path toward independence.
Business Track Speakers
Tammy Predmore
Director of Workforce Development at Western Arkansas Planning and Development District
Jonathan Taylor
Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
Jonathan Taylor is the Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Prior to joining Council staff, Jonathan was a retail field manager with a decade of successful experience in competitive, integrated employment. In addition to his role with the Council, Jonathan is a board member of the Arkansas Chapter of APSE (the Association of People Supporting Employment First) and NACDD (National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities). He was also Chair of the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council from 2021 to 2024 and Vice-Chair of Disability: IN Arkansas from 2017 to 2023.
Parker Lehnen
Compliance Analyst and MBA candidate
Parker Lehnen is a Compliance Analyst and MBA candidate focused on organizational communication and leadership. With lived experience as an autistic individual with ADHD, Parker helps businesses make practical, informed decisions that support neurodivergent talent and strengthen workplace culture.
Bailey M. Smith
Assistant Professor - Business Division National Park College
Bailey M. Smith is an Instructor of Business at National Park College with experience in higher education, entrepreneurship, and workforce training, this speaker brings real-world business insight into the classroom. They are passionate about helping students use practical business skills to create opportunity and long-term success.
Dr. Kristin N. Johnson
Executive Director of the RESTORE Hub at Arkansas State University
Dr. Kristin N. Johnson is an academic leader and practitioner focused on implementation science, educational transitions, and community well-being. As Executive Director of the RESTORE Hub at Arkansas State University, she leads initiatives that strengthen inclusive programs and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across education and community systems.
Christian Zimmerman
Assistant Director of Programs at the University of Central Florida’s Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities
Christian Zimmerman, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized expert in accessible CTE and workforce development. As Assistant Director of Programs at UCF’s Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, he focuses on postsecondary pathways and employer partnerships that support competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities.
Caregiver Track Speakers
Gentry Wahlmeier
Wahlmeier Law Firm, P.A.
Gentry Wahlmeier grew up between Alma and Rudy, where small town principles were instilled by an enormous family. Now, he and his wife, Paige, are raising two daughters in Van Buren. Wahlmeier Law Firm, P.A. has served the River Valley for eight years. Wahlmeier is a litigation attorney who also serves the community, specializing in complex trust arrangements.
Micah Brown
Citizens Bank & Trust Company
Micah Brown is a Trust Officer and Wealth Management leader at Citizens Bank & Trust Company. With a background in law and finance, he helps individuals and families navigate trust and financial planning with clarity and confidence.
JoAnna Cole Brewer
Fabulous Life Designer
JoAnna Cole Brewer is the CEO and founder of The Holistic Life Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She is also known as the “Fabulous Life Designer” who focuses on inspiring, equipping, and empowering people to grow spiritually, personally, professionally, and socially through holistic therapy, practices, and everyday lifestyle methods. She is a survivor of cervical and skin cancer, and she uses that experience, along with her teaching and workshops, to encourage others to pursue their goals and live in alignment.
Harry Ehrenberg
Ehrenberg Financial, Inc.
Harry Ehrenberg is a special needs estate planning expert, policy advocate, and parent of a child with special needs. With more than 30 years of experience, he helps families protect Medicaid eligibility, plan for lifelong care, and navigate the financial complexities of disability planning.
Reggie Cunningham
The Caregivers Network Podcast
Reggie Cunningham is a caregiver advocate and co-founder of The Care Giver’s Network. After becoming the primary caregiver for his adult autistic daughter, he now works to support caregivers through shared stories, connection, and access to meaningful resources.
Marlon Phillips
The Caregivers Network Podcast
Marlon Phillips is a caregiver advocate and co-founder of The Care Giver’s Network. After serving as the primary caregiver for his mother in her final years, he now works to raise awareness, share real caregiver stories, and ensure caregivers feel supported, seen, and never alone.
The Caregivers Network Podcast mission is simple: “To remind every caregiver that they are not alone — and that their love, sacrifice, and dedication truly matter”.
Remember “to shoot for the Moon and even if you miss, you’ll be amongst YOUR stars”
Neurodivergent Track Speakers
Kendrick Greene
Program Coordinator at SpindL
Kendrick Greene is the Program Coordinator at Spindl. He designs and implements job readiness and life skills programming for neurodivergent young adults and brings over 15 years of mentorship experience. With a background in psychology focused on child and adolescent development, he builds structured, supportive learning environments that strengthen confidence, workplace readiness, and daily independence.
Parker Lehnen
Compliance Analyst and MBA candidate
Parker Lehnen is a Compliance Analyst and MBA candidate focused on organizational communication and leadership. With lived experience as an autistic individual with ADHD, Parker helps businesses make practical, informed decisions that support neurodivergent talent and strengthen workplace culture.
Ebony Tyson
Outreach Coordinator at SpindL
Ebony Tyson is the Outreach Coordinator at SpindL. Drawing on her previous experience in homeless liaison and family engagement roles, she helps connect individuals and families to the resources and support they need. She leads community engagement and partnership development, building relationships with nonprofits, schools, and local organizations to expand access to services for neurodivergent individuals and families. Ebony is deeply committed to inclusion for autistic individuals and strengthening supports for families through coordinated, accessible community partnerships.
Katy Kaumeyer
KatyK Designs
Katy Kaumeyer is a creative business strategist who helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs build sustainable systems that support real life. Inspired by her journey as a parent of an autistic son, Katy taught herself how to build a flexible, home-based business when traditional paths no longer fit her family’s needs. Today, she brings that lived experience into everything she teaches – where different ways of thinking are valued.
AUTISM WORKS: COMMUNITY NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING
Join us for this one-day opportunity to build a community experience focused on inclusive hiring, career readiness, and meaningful connection.