2026 Annual Forum – Tarjan Center

UCLA Tarjan Center Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

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2026 annual Forum

The UCLA Tarjan Center Forum is a FREE online conference aimed to foster discussions among self-advocates, families, and professionals. Presentations from UCLA faculty, state leaders, community partners, and self-advocates will cover important topics and new research in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

When: Friday, October 23, 2026 from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM PDT

Where: Online via Zoom

View Flyer:

2026 Forum Schedule

Time

Presentation Title

Flyer

Sneak Peak Podcast

9:30 – 9:45 AM

Opening Remarks

Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and Dr. Yasamin Bolourian

9:45 – 10:45 AM

From Advocacy to Action: Building Better Disability Services

Speaker: Pete Cervinka, Director, California Department of Developmental Services
Moderator: Dr. Jasper Estabillo, Director of Training, UCLA Tarjan Center

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Who Do You Trust? Navigating Myths and Misinformation in Disability Spaces

Panelists: Areva Martin, Founder and President, Special Needs Network Dr. Rujuta Wilson, Director of Research, UCLA Tarjan Center Andrew Imperato, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Rights California Wesley Witherspoon, Self-Advocate Representative, USC UCEDD Kathleen Barajas, Founder & President, Project AIR
Moderator: Dr. Yasamin Bolourian, Director of Outreach and Dissemination, UCLA Tarjan Center

1:00 – 2:00 PM

Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Speaker: Dr. Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist & Professor, Griffith University
Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Director, UCLA Tarjan Center

2:15 – 3:15 PM

Mental Health and Lived Experiences

Panelists: Dr. Kashia Rosenau, Assistant Professor, UCLA Department of Medicine Russell Lehmann, Disability Rights Advocate, UCLA Tarjan Center Dr. Laurie Stephens, Senior Director of Autism Programs, The Help Group Olivia Raskin, Clinic Coordinator, UCLA PEERS® Clinic Sarah Fetter, Director of Advocacy Services, EG SPEAKS
Moderator: Dr. Brandon Ito, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, UCLA Tarjan Center

3:30 – 4:30 PM

Considerations of Neurodiversity Affirming Education: K-12 and Beyond

Speaker: Dr. Jan Blacher, Distinguished Research Professor, UC Riverside School of Education & UCLA Department of Psychology
Community Discussant: Crystal Lam, Community Healthcare Worker, Bay Area Community Health’s Harm Reduction Program
Moderator: Dr. Christine Moody, Postsecondary & Employment Specialist, UCLA Tarjan Center

4:30 – 4:45 PM

Closing Remarks

Speaker: Dr. Yasamin Bolourian, Director of Outreach and Dissemination, UCLA Tarjan Center