Event Recap
Special Needs Network extends its sincere appreciation to all who joined at Getty House for Building an Inclusive LA.
The convening marked more than a moment—it reflected what’s possible when leaders align around a shared vision. From the leadership of Mayor Karen Bass, to the forward-looking dialogue with Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, and insights from Dr. Sneha Kohli, Kimberly Brown, and Vana Theiro, one message was clear: Los Angeles is entering a defining moment of economic opportunity, and inclusion must be built into that future by design.
Neurodivergent performers Kenneth Brown, Daneyl Harris, and Enrique Duarte offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Closing that gap remains essential.
This gathering was not a conclusion—it was a starting point.
As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the focus now turns to ensuring neurodivergent individuals are not only included in workforce pipelines, but actively shaping them.
What We Are Building
Los Angeles is entering a historic era of global investment, economic growth, and civic transformation. As the region prepares for the World Cup,
the 2028 Olympics, and major infrastructure expansion, a critical question remains:
Will neurodivergent Angelenos be included in the prosperity being built?
Special Needs Network is leading a bold, structural effort to ensure the answer is yes. This briefing outlines a regional strategy to expand workforce pipelines, increase clinical access, align public policy, and position Los Angeles as a national model for neurodivergent inclusion.
This is not a symbolic moment. It is a strategic opportunity.
Workforce Briefing Series
Elected Officials and Public Sector Leaders
Inclusive LA outlines a clear, actionable roadmap for public sector leaders to align workforce policy, education systems, and procurement power to build a more inclusive and economically competitive city.
Inclusion is not symbolic — it is structural. And the decisions made today will shape Los Angeles for decades to come.
Corporate & Workforce Development Leaders
Los Angeles employers are facing workforce shortages — and thousands of skilled neurodivergent individuals are ready to work. Special Needs Network is bridging the gap by creating structured workforce pipelines that connect job-ready talent to high-need sectors like behavioral health, hospitality, logistics, and more.
Philanthropic & Foundation Leaders
For neurodivergent individuals in Los Angeles, the gap between potential and opportunity is real — in jobs, healthcare, and leadership. Special Needs Network is pioneering programs that not only serve individuals and families but transform systems, expand economic mobility, and create a more inclusive future.
Media & Communications Leaders
As the city prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Olympics, and billions in investment, a critical question remains: are all Angelenos being included in this economic moment? Neurodivergent individuals—including those on the autism spectrum—represent one of the largest untapped workforces in LA. Their story is not just about health—it’s about jobs and opportunities.
Special Needs Network looks forward to continuing this work alongside its partners to build a Los Angeles where inclusion is not aspirational—it is operational.
The work ahead is significant—and just getting started.