Welcome to the 2nd Annual Abilities Employment Symposium sponsored by Bank of America. This event is a grassroots effort in collaboration with Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, LIFESPAN Services and a phenomenal planning committee with AllAbility Solutions, Cakeable Charlotte, Philips Academy, KennedyStrong Foundation, and A Special Needs Plan.
We are excited for this collaborative symposium to embark on a new opportunity for our I/DD community and inclusive employers as a platform for networking and get invaluable information on next steps on individual employment path.
Date: Wednesday April 9, 2025
Time: Participants 9am-3pm (early departure at 1pm for school groups as needed) Vendors set up from 7am-7:30am end by 3pm
Location: Goodwill Opportunity Campus
Lunch: Lunch during Panel discussion will be provided to all participants (please indicate general dietary needs in questions following registration).
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This event allows individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD) in the community, school aged students, teachers, caregivers to attend one of the scheduled sessions of our Abilities Employment Symposium. Inclusive businesses, resource groups and organizations will be in attendance to share valuable information with participants who are seeking guidance on their employment journey. These diverse areas of connection encompass, but are not limited to:
- Networking with Businesses who hire people with disabilities
- Work Foundations
- School Programs
- Job Training
- Bridge to Employment
- Inclusive Businesses
- Supported Employment Services
- Employer Services
- Family Services
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- Networking with Employers, led by Anessa with AllAbility Solutions
- Review of Logistics
- Interview Rooms
- Vendor Area
- Lunch
- Move to mock interviews and employer/vendor connections
- Mock interviews and breakout sessions for IDD participants, employer connections, and vendor fair
- Move from lunch to the downstairs conference room for team-building
- Three 30-minute sessions
- Employer and Participant Team Building Activities led by KennedyStrong Foundation
- Continued mock interviews, employer connections, and vendor fair
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Mock Interviews with Bank of America Volunteers
Practicing interviewing skills is like sharpening your sword before heading into battle—it’s
essential for success. By honing your ability to communicate effectively, showcase your
strengths, and respond confidently to challenging questions, you’ll boost your chances of
landing the job and feel more poised and self-assured throughout the process. Through practice, you’ll refine your ability to articulate your experiences, highlight your qualifications, and make a memorable impression on potential employers. Moreover, rehearsing common interview scenarios allows you to anticipate curveballs, navigate tricky situations with ease, and
demonstrate your readiness to excel in the role. Ultimately, investing time in practicing interviewing skills not only increases your chances of securing employment but also empowers you to approach job interviews with confidence and competence.
Grow Your Career Sponsored by The Academy at Bank of America
Join us for a Grow Your Career training. This workshop will serve as a road map of best practices
needed to attain the job you want. This event is ideal for individuals looking to elevate their
professional skills in order to grow their career and for organizations supporting job seekers.
Visit our page to see professional skills workshops sponsored by The Academy at Bank of America.
The Academy is Bank of America’s training and professional development organization dedicated to
the growth and success of the communities we serve. https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us/join-us/career-development/the-academy/education-resources
