Keynote Speakers | Schedule at a Glance | Registration | About the Symposium
2026 Keynote Speakers
Keynote Speaker (virtual): Kaelynn Partlow
Diagnosed with autism at age 10, Kaelynn Partlow brings lived experience and clinical expertise to her work as an autism advocate. She began her journey at Project Hope Foundation, where she was first a student, then hired in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician.
In 2022, Kaelynn reached a global audience as a featured cast member on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum US. Since then, she’s become a published author and social media creator with a following of millions. Her content blends advocacy, education, and humor to challenge misconceptions about autism and create a more inclusive world.
Through her speaking engagements, Kaelynn offers practical strategies, personal storytelling, and hard-earned insight into how we can better support autistic individuals across all ages and environments.
Keynote Speaker: Joey Travolta
Joey is the Creator, Co-Producer and Director of Lights, Camera, Friendship on the Spectrum. Born into a show business family, Joey began his career as a performer in 1978 as a recording artist with Casablanca Records and starred in the feature film, Sunnyside (1979). Joey has directed and produced over 20 films, including the critically acclaimed Enemies of Laughter (2000.) Prior to singing, acting, and directing, Joey worked as a special education teacher in New Jersey.
In 2005, Joey produced the documentary Normal People Scare Me, while mentoring a fifteen year old boy with autism who directed the film. Inspired by that experience, Joey developed the curriculum for Inclusion Films, a program that has served hundreds of aspiring neurodivergent filmmakers. Inclusion Films has a mission of inclusion—to train people with different abilities in the art of filmmaking—helping to create a shift in employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The soft skills learned in the training program can be applied to other jobs and all aspects of their life.
Symposium Schedule
Friday, February 6, 2026
| 7:30–8:15 a.m. | Coffee & Registration |
| 8:15 a.m. | Welcome |
| 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Keynote: Kaelynn Partlow |
| 9:45–10:45 a.m. | Concurrent Session #1: Dr. Blake Warner, Chief Clinical Fellow, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior Concurrent Session #2: Student Disability Panel |
| 11:00 a.m.–Noon | Concurrent Session #3: Christine Romeo & Abbey Romeo, Content Creators, Love on the Spectrum Alumni, and Tireless Advocates Concurrent Session #4: Nicole Sparapani, Ph.D., UC Davis MIND Institute |
| Noon–1:15 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Concurrent Session #5: Virginia Spielmann, Executive Director, STAR Institute Concurrent Session #6: Emily Raclaw, Executive Director, On Your Marq, Marquette University |
| 2:45–3:45 p.m. | Concurrent Session #7: Hari Srinivasan, Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University |
| 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Closing Keynote: Joey Travolta |
ASL services are available! Please let us know if you require accommodations when you complete your registration.Fees & Registration
Registration Is Now Open!
• Early Bird General Registration: $165
Increases to $195 after January 5.
• Group Registration: (11 or more attendees receive 15% discount)
• Chico State and Butte College Faculty, Staff & Currently Enrolled (Spring '26) Students: $50
Discounted price is good for up to 75 attendees.
• Far Northern Regional Center Registration: $25 with approval
Far Northern clients planning to attend need to be high school age or older. Clients participating in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) will use the General Registration form to register and coordinate payment with your provider.
Want to share your information with our participants?
We have an opportunity for a limited number of resource providers to participate in the 2026 symposium. Tables will be provided at no cost, but individuals representing the organization (up to two) will need to register and submit payment.
If you would like to provide materials about your organization but not staff a table, contact conferences@csuchico.edu. There is no charge if you want to provide materials for participants if you are not attending.
Accessibility Information
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations or have questions about physical access may call the Accessibility Resource Center at 530-898-5959.
Note: Service animals are welcome in the building; however, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
About the Neurodiversity & Disability Symposium
As disability rates in the United States rise—currently nearing 13%—individuals and families in rural areas face unique challenges, often lacking access to crucial services and information. The Neurodiversity & Disability Symposium seeks to address these gaps by amplifying the voices of Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals, while also providing education for families, educators, and service providers in our region and beyond. With a commitment to inclusivity, we bring together a diverse range of topics and speakers to support all members of our community—ensuring that everyone has access to the knowledge and resources they need.
*Note: This program uses identity-first language where appropriate, while also recognizing that some individuals prefer person-first language. To accommodate the spectrum of preferences, we utilize both. To learn more about these perspectives, visit the AccessATE site.