The Range of Job Opportunities in Technology

Here is a video recording of this event and slides for it.


On February 1 AASCEND‘s Job Club presents Hilary Kokenda, Chief Operating Officer of Zavikon, an industry leader in neurodivergent employment. Hilary will speak online via Zoom about the wide range of jobs possible for neurodivergent people in the technology sector. Hilary’s career has allowed her to work with individuals at all levels and to drive change across all types of departments. Through her wealth of experience in the corporate environment, she has recognized the need for and benefits of diversity, and she is passionate about being a bridge to an inclusive working world.

Hilary will be interviewed by Job Club facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick, and will engage in discussions with attendees.

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event.

Hilary Kokenda headshot

Hilary is a founding member of Zavikon. Prior to that she spent 10 years at The Walt Disney Company as a technologist supporting business solutions and processes. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics/Applied Science from UCLA. Hilary’s primary role throughout her career has been to bridge the communication gap between technology resources and the businesses they support at Fortune 500 companies.

As usual at AASCEND meetings, attendees on the autism spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. 

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat February 1, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Special Needs Trusts

Here is a recording of the following program.

At AASCEND‘s January 18 meeting via Zoom Stephen Dale of the Dale Law Firm will speak on Special Needs Trusts. A trust is a legal relationship in which property is held by one party for the benefit of another.  A special needs trust is a trust designed for beneficiaries who are disabled, either physically or mentally. It is written so the beneficiary can enjoy the use of property that is held in the trust for his or her benefit, while at the same time allowing the beneficiary to receive essential needs-based government benefits. This is a good chance to learn the basics of this important support for adults on the autism spectrum. The presentation will be geared for both autistic adults and their families.

A few days before the event the Zoom link to the presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register.

Stephen Dale is an attorney and disability rights advocate who serves on boards and committees of disability rights organizations, including the ARC of California. He spends much of his time attending disability rights activities including legislative hearings. He teaches courses to the public, financial professionals, and other attorneys on special needs trusts and trust administration, with a special emphasis on achieving client independence while maintaining essential government benefits. Stephen is a frequent speaker on a variety of disability-related topics across the country. He is a long-standing member of the Special Needs Alliance and is a Trustee of the Golden State Pooled Trust.

As usual at AASCEND meetings, attendees on the autism spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. 

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat Jan 18, 10 – 11am
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.