Join us for this important webinar series, starting April 12th, to learn how to best support neurodivergent students and be provided with strategies for creating inclusive work environments for people who are neurodivergent. Learn more & register here: https://training.transcen.org/courses

Speaker: Deborah Klein Hammer
Deborah.hammer@apsva.us

Deborah Hammer has worked professionally for three decades on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families. Ms. Hammer is currently employed by Arlington (Virginia) Public Schools as an Autism and Low Incidence Specialist, where she provides training and support to school staff, parents, and students. She is advisor to a club for students called The Order of Self- Determination and works closely with the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined Project to promote student self-determination and person-centered planning. She also frequently presents at national and international conferences, including Autism Society of America, Council for Exceptional Children, the National Autism Conference, and the World Autism Organization International Conference. She was the recipient of the Eileen Crawford Award for Educators in 2017 and has twice been a recipient of the Arc of Northern Virginia’s Educational Leadership Award. She is active with CEC’s Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) and serves on the awards, nominations, and critical issues committees. She is a member for the Virginia Autism Council. As chair of the Northern Virginia Transition Coalition, she helped organize Future Quest, a regional college and career fair for students with disabilities. Ms. Hammer is a volunteer with the Organization for Autism Research and a frequent contributor to their newsletter and publications. She serves as chair of the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board, an appointed government board that advocates for the needs of disabled community members. She is the founder and facilitator of a social club for neurodivergent young adults, Cool Aspies. In her free time, she is a Virginia Master Naturalist, BioBlitz leader, and serves on the board of Friends of Dyke Marsh. She is also passionate about Chiroptera (bats) and will teach anyone who will listen about the benefits of these amazing flying mammals. She serves as a board member and education chair with Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia.