Disclosure at Work:  Dilemmas and Positives

Please join our community to celebrate International Aspergers Day!  Following our successful community celebrations of the last few years, AV continues its celebration of the strengths of Aspergers in life and employment.  This is an opportunity to celebrate our strengths together as a community.

The topic for this year's International Aspergers Day celebration is disclosure which is a common issue and discussion topic across our community, with a variety of views and approaches. Disclosing Aspergers in the workplace is an individual decision. Some people may be open about it, while others may not for a range of reasons, including fear of discrimination or being treated differently.

Join us for a panel discussion with those with lived experience exploring this often challenging topic. Our panel will respond to attendee questions in an open discussion for the final part of the event. 

Time: 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm

Timing on the night:

6.30 pm: Doors open, refreshments served

7.00 pm: Individual presentations by panel members 

8.00 pm: Question and answer session

8.30 pm: Socialising/networking over tea & coffee

9.00 pm: Event concludes.

Who should attend: This event is suitable for Aspergers Vic members and families, professionals, or anyone else interested in this topic. Suitable age: teenagers and upwards. 

Cost: $30 Aspergers Vic Members, $45 Non-Members

Location: Bayview Eden Hotel, 6 Queens Rd, Melbourne Vic 3004

Panel Special Guests:  

• Danielle Hutchinson - (Pictured first) Danielle is an Australian lawyer and mediator. She is the co-founder of Resolution Resources, an Australian firm offering a range of dispute resolution, facilitation, education and research services to the international market. Danielle is recognised internationally as a thought leader and innovator in using psychometrics to understand the most effective pathways to dispute resolution. She has a strong focus on processes inclusive of the needs and perspectives of people on the Autism Spectrum. Danielle has lived experience of ASD & ADHD.

• Jennifer Lowe -(Pictured second) With a professional background in marketing, Jennifer is currently completing a PhD in Public Health at La Trobe University. In 2018, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) at the age of 30. Jennifer has encountered both encouraging and challenging experiences in disclosing her diagnosis within the workplace.

• Penny Robinson - (Pictured third) Penny has worked at Monash University for almost 10 years. She’s a Lecturer of Biostatistics. She’s an Ambassador of The I CAN Network, Yellow Ladybugs and Aspergers Victoria, and was part of the Autism CRC Future Leaders Program in 2018.

• Mark Sudholz - (Pictured fourth) Marc graduated from Monash University in 2017, with a double degree in Journalism and Business (economics major) and has since held a range of jobs in business communications. He has been open about his Aspergers in workplaces since 2017, a result of previous life experiences. He is currently an Internal Communications Adviser at Medibank. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, playing golf and live music.

• If driving: Plenty of free parking will be available in the underground carpark at the hotel. The gate will be open from 6:00 pm, or press the buzzer for entry. 
• On public transport:  Take the train to Flinder St, then take a tram down St Kilda Rd to Toorak Rd stop 22 (e.g Route 16 St Kilda Beach). Walk 350m south on St Kilda Rd towards Kings Way/Toorak Rd. Or take train to Sth Yarra station and take a West Coburg tram to Toorak Rd/St Kilda Rd then walk 350m to the venue. 

  For more details contact admin@aspergersvic.org.au