Home
Events

Grand Junction, CO

Reflecting on a Day of Empowerment and Connection: The Next Steps Neurodiversity Resource Fair - Grand Junction, CO

Attend EventBecome a VendorBecome a Sponsor
Attendee, vendor, and sponsor information coming in Fall 2024
grand-junction center
Event in
August 10, 2024

Event Sponsors

Select an organization to learn more about them

Event Sponsors will be added soon. Please check back at a later date.

About the Event

On August 10, 2024, the Grand Junction Convention Center hosted the transformative Next Steps Neurodiversity Resource Fair, a free community event dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals of all ages, including those with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and beyond. This impactful fair brought together families, professionals, and advocates, offering a unique opportunity to access valuable resources, network with service providers, and participate in educational presentations.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Vendors

The success of the Next Steps Neurodiversity Resource Fair was made possible through the generous support of our Hero Sponsor and Visionary Sponsor, alongside a wide array of vendors and community partners. Each sponsor and vendor brought essential information and resources to the event, fostering a supportive environment where attendees could connect with experts in mental health, adaptive services, educational support, and more.

Vendors included diverse and impactful organizations like the Autism Society of Colorado, Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado, Colorado Discover Ability, and Mesa County Libraries. Participants could explore opportunities for therapy, vocational rehabilitation, adaptive technology, inclusive travel, and other essential services. This collaborative effort ensured that neurodivergent individuals and their families left with the tools, knowledge, and support to navigate everyday challenges with greater ease.

Informative Presentations

The event also featured a series of expert-led presentations, offered by the IM Learning Institute and Pulse Line Collaborative Training, that provided critical insights into the neurodivergent experience. Topics included ADHD simulation, cognitive behavioral strategies, and neurodevelopmental evaluation processes. Dr. Katrina Katen and Andrew Katen of Individual Matters, LLC, shared their expertise, addressing the complexities of neurodiversity in accessible, relatable ways.

In a highlight of the day, Ali Thompson of Pulse Line Collaborative Training, a former law enforcement professional, led an insightful two-hour presentation on improving interactions between first responders and individuals with disabilities or mental health disorders. Her session empowered attendees to foster positive, informed interactions with first responders, ensuring safer and more supportive experiences.

A Lasting Impact

The Grand Junction Neurodiversity Resource Fair highlighted the strength of community and the importance of accessible resources for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Through workshops, vendor interactions, and meaningful presentations, attendees left equipped with new tools, insights, and connections to improve their everyday lives. We extend our deepest thanks to all sponsors, vendors, presenters, and attendees who contributed to making this event such a meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Hero Sponsers

Visionary Sponsors

No items found.

Event Vendors

Select an organization to learn more about them
Vendors coming soon, please check back later.
No items found.
No items found.

IM Learning Institute Presentations

Simulation Experience of ADHD, Auditory and Visual Processing Deficits and Learning Struggles

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Executive Functioning Fun and Games

11:15 AM - 11:35 AM

Taking Back Your Power Through Ownership: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercise

11:45 AM - 12:10 PM

Speakers
Dr. Katrina Katen

Dr. Katen, a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master's specialization in marriage and family therapy, founded Individual Matters, LLC in 2010 and oversees all clinical services

Andrew Katen

Andrew Katen, the Executive Director of Individual Matters, LLC, oversees administration and business development while producing the company's podcast, newsletter, and blog.

Pulse Line Collaborative Training Presentation

Interacting with First Responders

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speakers
Ali Thompson

Ali Thompson, a national speaker and former law enforcement professional, leverages her 25-year career and personal experience as a mother of children with disabilities to provide specialized training on investigation techniques and first responder interactions.

Photo Gallery

No items found.

Registration Forms

Attend Event
plus arrow for the faq dropdown
Become a Vendor
plus arrow for the faq dropdown

Experiences That Made an Impact

"We’ve been using Untitled to kick start every new project and can’t imagine working without it."
Candice Wu
Product Manager, Sisyphus
"We’ve been using Untitled to kick start every new project and can’t imagine working without it."
Candice Wu
Product Manager, Sisyphus
"We’ve been using Untitled to kick start every new project and can’t imagine working without it."
Candice Wu
Product Manager, Sisyphus
"We’ve been using Untitled to kick start every new project and can’t imagine working without it."
Candice Wu
Product Manager, Sisyphus
"We’ve been using Untitled to kick start every new project and can’t imagine working without it."
Candice Wu
Product Manager, Sisyphus

“We loved seeing the characters, the fact that it was indoors and how well organized it was.”

Attendee
2024

“The product demos were accessible and very effective, most of the booths were easy to tell the function of the vendor, and all the vendors were very informative.”

Attendee
2024

“It was an honor to see the organizer there. Thank you so much for putting this on.”

Attendee
2024

“I appreciated the diverse vendors and how they serve both the child and adult neurodiverse populations.”

Attendee
2024

“I attend to network for my podcast and recruit guest interviews. I really appreciated meeting so many wonderful people at these events. I appreciate that each resource fair has a different variety of vendors making each event a new experience.”

Attendee
2024

“Loved the 4 abbreviated seminars providing excellent information on neurodivergent struggles people face everyday. Many great booths with so many great resources. Thank you for offering this event on the western slope to provide resources for our folks.”

Attendee
2024

“We are so thankful to have been a part of the event! We met so many amazing people and learned about a lot of resources in our valley. 

Vendor
2024

“Wonderful space/location, good number of people to connect with - families and other providers!”

Vendor
2024

“We weren't not sure what to expect, and were pleasantly surprised. We reached many people we don't see in other arenas.”

Vendor
2024

“Great location and turnout!”

Vendor
2024

“It was so well organized that there was barely any stress (for us) leading up to it!”

Vendor
2024

“All the vendors I talked to were cheerful and helpful.”

Attendee
2024

“It was awesome to see the variety of vendors and resources available. It was nice to be able to meet people in person to talk instead of calling around and perusing websites.”

Attendee
2024

“There were many families there genuinely interested in finding new services/resources for their children.”

Vendor
2024

“Really pleased with the networking opportunity!”

Vendor
2024

“Plenty of space! We had a great location, though I think any location would have been good.”

Vendor
2024

“This is my community so it's great to see families I can work with that live close by. Thank you for having the event inside!”

Vendor
2024

“I felt welcomed by everyone and the amount of support I received was indescribable!”

Attendee
2004

“There were so many different vendors that appealed to all kinds of abilities and age groups. The cosplay characters walking around were so much fun!”

Attendee
2024

“I had really good conversations with multiple vendors, some recognizing a need different than they were serving and recommending another vendor also represented. Very knowledgeable. The entire event exceeded my expectations.”

Attendee
2024

“I really appreciated that vendors seemed genuinely interested in offering information and not just there for the "sales." I thought this event was well-planned and probably one of the most helpful and organized events I've been to!

Attendee
2024

"There was a strong mixture of attendees who were ready to receive info about our services, as well as productive connections with fellow vendors."

Vendor
2024

"We got steady traffic, and many of the people who visited us were people we wanted to connect with. I liked the spaciousness of the venue."

Vendor
2024

"Very well organized, easy to get in and set-up, sharing resources with and meeting other professionals, variety of options available, fun atmosphere, meeting families and being a part of the community."

Vendor
2024

"This was an incredible event, and I think it was extremely meaningful for the Neurodiversity Community. I was amazed by the turnout from both vendors and attendees"

Vendor
2024

More Events

View all events
Event in
January 26, 2025

Longmont, CO

The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo returns to Longmont, where high-tech industry meets small-town charm, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on January 26, 2025, featuring renowned author and speaker Dr. Temple Grandin. Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM and connect with a variety of vendors showcasing products and services for the neurodivergent community.

View event
Event in
February 22, 2025

Castle Rock, CO

The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo comes to Castle Rock's Douglas County Fairgrounds on February 22, 2025, in this growing community known for its historic downtown and Festival Park gathering space. Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM for expert presentations and a variety of vendors showcasing products and services for the neurodivergent community.

View event
Event in
August 16, 2025

Grand Junction, CO

The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo returns to Mesa County at the downtown Grand Junction Event Center on August 16, 2025, serving Colorado's Western Slope communities. The event runs from 10 AM to 3 PM, featuring expert presentations, services and products for the neurodivergent community.

View event
Event in
November 2, 2025

Denver, CO

The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo soars into Denver on November 2, 2025, hosted at the iconic Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM for expert presentations and a variety of vendors showcasing products and services for the neurodivergent community.

View event

Connect. Explore. Celebrate. Empower.

Don't miss our

Upcoming 2025 Events

man and woman shake hands by an event booth
Find out more from our

Resources

smiling booth vendors greet interested people in their service
Reach New Audiences

Become a Vendor

Billy and Beaus sponser at their booth at lafayette event 2024
Transform Lives

Become a Sponsor

Personalized Neurodiversity Consulting

Consultations

You Might also be interested in:

About usFAQ'sContact us

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay informed and inspired! Subscribe to receive updates about our upcoming Neurodiversity Expos, featured resources and community initiatives.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.