Thompson Policy Institute on Disability - TPI

11/14/2025

🚓✨ Exciting Collaboration Alert! ✨🚓

Our FAST team at The Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center @ CHOC, in partnership with Lieutenant Scherer from the Irvine Police Department and Amy & Spencer from Glennwood, has proudly presented a crucial training session: “Interaction with Neurodiverse Citizens: Training on Effective Response and Communication (INTERAC).”

This essential training, now POST-certified, focuses on equipping local officers with the skills to engage with neurodiverse individuals. Together, we’re working towards a more informed and supportive community.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our efforts to foster understanding and inclusivity for all! 💙

11/10/2025

Our TPI team continues to learn from the field! 🏫

This October, some of our team visited Brawley Elementary School District to observe co-taught classrooms, including exciting new TK models leading the way in inclusive education. 🌟

11/06/2025

Making an Impact.

For 10 years, TPI has driven change through inclusive education, training programs for first responders, and community partnerships that create real opportunities for all.

From tackling California’s teacher shortage to advancing equity in schools, we’re continuing our work to make a difference.

🔗 Read more about our decade of impact:

A new grant from the Gates Foundation will help fuel TPI’s next decade of work improving opportunities for the disability community.

11/04/2025

Celebrating a decade of change: the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability at Chapman University marks 10 years of turning research into action—now launching a bold new initiative to address California’s teacher shortage and promote inclusive math instruction for all.

10/31/2025

We’re proud to share that the Thompson Policy Institute (TPI), in partnership with the CEEDAR Center and the California Alliance for Inclusive Schooling, presented at the 2025 California Council on Teacher Education (CCTE) Conference!🎊
 
Our session highlighted preliminary findings from our new report, Creating Inclusive Education Environments for Students with Disabilities: Examining Educators’ Preparation in California.
 
Read the full report here:
https://thompsonpolicyinstitute.org/resource/creating-inclusive-education-environments-for-students…

10/30/2025

🎉 Celebrating 80 Years of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

In 1988, the U.S. Congress declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to honor the contributions and employment needs of people with disabilities.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of this important observance — a time to celebrate the value, talent, and impact of individuals with disabilities in the American workforce.

What began in 1945 as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities has grown into a nationwide movement embracing all disabilities, visible and invisible.

💡 The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Value & Talent,” highlights the ongoing mission to create inclusive, equitable workplaces that empower everyone to thrive.

10/27/2025

TPI was honored to attend the 2025 Glennwood Housing Foundation Gala! ✨

Glennwood Housing Foundation creates pathways for self-determination through housing, employment, education, and volunteer opportunities — empowering individuals to live full, inclusive lives.
We’re proud to celebrate alongside our partners from the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center as we work together to support inclusive opportunities for all. 💙

10/25/2025

🌟 We were proud to take part in the Andy & Aiden Safety Fair! 🚓💙

Elissa Green Kaustinen, FAST Director at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, hosted our booth to promote community safety and inclusion for individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental differences.

👮‍♀️ Fun fact: Elissa also leads a POST-certified training course that teaches law enforcement officers how to effectively and compassionately interact with neurodiverse individuals — building safer, more understanding communities for all. 💫

10/22/2025

🌟 Learn how to save smart with CalABLE!
Join us on November 5 to explore how individuals with disabilities can build savings without affecting benefits.
🔗 Register now-https://bit.ly/CalABLEEnglish