Every Mind Belongs Here: The County of Los Angeles Launches Neurodiversity at Work Initiative
Announced in October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), this public-private partnership aims to expand career pathways for neurodivergent job seekers and strengthen support for neurodivergent employees.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The County of Los Angeles is launching the Neurodiversity at Work Initiative to expand employment opportunities for neurodivergent people and build a more neuroinclusive County workforce. The initiative is being developed and implemented by the County’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) in collaboration with the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD), NeuroTalent Works (NTW), the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities (LACCOD) and the seven Regional Centers serving Los Angeles County.
A Vision Set by the Board of Supervisors
On April 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly J. Mitchell, calling for expanded employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, more inclusive hiring practices, improved access to accommodations, personnel training and progress tracking.
“We have talented people who have a lot to offer, but they’re getting overlooked because the traditional hiring process doesn’t always give them a fair shot. We need to change that. This program will help more neurodivergent people get their foot in the door at the County, while helping us become a better employer and a more effective government for the people we serve,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District.
“Every person deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents, pursue their dreams, and achieve their career goals. This, of course, includes our neurodivergent residents, whose lived experiences, diverse skills, and strengths deserve to be recognized and supported through equitable access to employment opportunities. By bringing together County departments and community partners, we are taking meaningful steps to expand career pathways, remove barriers to employment, and build a more inclusive LA County,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.
From First Chance to Lasting Career
The initiative begins with a cohort of 25 neurodivergent job candidates recruited and prepared by NeuroTalent Works. Participants will complete a two-week virtual job-readiness program, then pursue paid positions through the County’s Career Development Internship (CDI) program, which offers salaried positions with benefits for up to two years. NeuroTalent Works will provide coaching for employees and managers, while Regional Centers and the California Department of Rehabilitation will offer additional support, including benefits planning.
County departments, including Aging & Disabilities, Internal Services (ISD), Mental Health (DMH) and L.A. County Library, will participate in neuroinclusion training to help prepare supervisors, managers and human resources teams. A new Neurodiversity Ambassador Program will also invite neurodivergent County employees to help shape the initiative through a voluntary, confidential advisory group.
Together, these efforts are designed not only to prepare neurodivergent candidates for County employment, but also to equip the County workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their successful integration and long-term career development.
“At the County of Los Angeles, people have always been our greatest strength, and true inclusion means valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. Through this new board-directed Neurodiversity Training and Employment Program, the County is advancing equity, breaking down barriers to employment, and fostering a workplace where neurodivergent individuals have the support and opportunity to thrive. By integrating these principles into recruitment, onboarding, and the workplace experience, we strengthen our workforce, better serve our diverse communities, and foster a culture that values cognitive diversity as a cornerstone of our future success,” said Lisa M. Garrett, Director of Personnel, Department of Human Resources, County of Los Angeles.
“Meaningful employment can provide more than a paycheck. It can offer purpose, independence, and a sense of belonging. This initiative is an important step toward making sure people with neurodivergence have opportunities to contribute their skills and build careers in County service,” said Maral V. Karaccusian, MSW, Director of the L.A. County Aging & Disabilities Department. “We are proud to be working alongside our County colleagues, the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities and our community partners to create a pipeline to employment and expand opportunities for people with neurodivergence.”
A Partnership That Breaks New Ground
The seven Regional Centers serving Los Angeles County are Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC), Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (FDLRC), Harbor Regional Center (HRC), North Los Angeles Regional Center (NLARC), San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC), South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC) and Westside Regional Center (WRC).
The Regional Centers are providing start-up support for the first cohort through funding awarded by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center is a founding partner, contributing $182,000 to support candidate recruitment and job-readiness training as well as County workforce readiness training. SGPRC will also provide employer readiness and workplace integration training to the County of Los Angeles' Human Resources Department. The program plan indicates that 21 of the first 25 candidates are reserved for Regional Center clients.
NeuroTalent Works, a Los Angeles County-certified Social Enterprise, will recruit and prepare candidates, train County teams on neurodiversity, support accessible hiring and accommodations, and coach employees and managers. The initiative also builds on NTW’s (Neuro)diversity in Insurance program, developed with the California Department of Rehabilitation. According to program figures provided for this release, 97% of candidates completed training and more than 80% went on to internships and jobs.
“Ten years ago, we started NeuroTalent Works because we kept meeting brilliant, capable neurodivergent job candidates who were not getting selected in interviews, and employers who didn't yet know what they were missing in how neurodiversity could transform their teams. To see Los Angeles County step forward as an employer in our tenth year is a dream realized and a signal to the whole country. It's about time. Every mind has strengths to offer, and when we build workplaces that make room for them, all of us are better for it,” said Jessica Lee, Co-Founder and Executive Director of NeuroTalent Works.
“The people we serve have skills, drive and a deep desire to contribute to their communities. It is an exciting time for more doors to be opened. By investing in this partnership, we are making sure people have the support they need to achieve their goals,” said Jesse Weller, Executive Director of San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center.
“People with disabilities have been invisible in the workforce for far too long. This initiative was shaped by the lived experience of our community, and it shows what becomes possible when we are not just served by the solution but help design it. Los Angeles County is showing the nation what real inclusion looks like,” said Commissioner Cathy Gott of the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities, who championed this initiative and saw it over the finish line.
“A more inclusive workforce starts with making sure people can access training, demonstrate their skills, and get the support they need to succeed on the job,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). “DEO will help connect the lessons from this pilot to our workforce programs and employer partnerships, so neurodivergent residents have more opportunities to build lasting careers across Los Angeles County.”
Join the Movement
The County will track outcomes, including hiring and retention, employee satisfaction, and the effectiveness of neurodiversity training and workplace accommodations. Visit the L.A. County Neurodiversity at Work web hub for official program information and updates, or NeuroTalent Works (neurotalentworks.org/la-county) to learn more and explore job candidate-participation and employer partnership opportunities.
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About the Department of Human Resources
The Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources’ (DHR) mission is to “Foster a positive culture and inclusive environment where all employees can thrive, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways through public service.” DHR serves as the County’s central human resources authority, providing Countywide guidance, shared services, and modern HR solutions that support all County departments. Through its specialized branches, DHR delivers expertise in talent management, recruitment and hiring, performance management, workplace equity, employee health and wellness, benefits administration, and HR technology. This structure enables DHR to support departments in maintaining consistent HR practices, strengthening workforce readiness, and advancing Countywide priorities.
About the Aging & Disabilities Department
The Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) serves the Los Angeles region’s growing population of older adults and adults with disabilities with thoughtful action, compassion, and supportive programs. Through its advocacy and dedicated efforts, the department works to connect people to resources, protect their dignity, and foster independence. This mission is guided by the belief that every individual, regardless of age or ability, deserves to lead a fulfilling and dignified life, enriched by the involvement and support of their community.
About NeuroTalent Works
NeuroTalent Works is a nonprofit organization on a mission to build neurodiverse workplaces where all minds are valued for their strengths and supported to thrive. NTW trains and connects employers with neurodivergent talent and partners with employers locally and nationally, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, to build neuroinclusive hiring programs and supportive workplace environments that remove systemic barriers for an untapped, misunderstood and overlooked talent pool. Learn more at neurotalentworks.org.
About the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, which began serving the region in 1986, is part of a network of 21 regional centers across California. It serves 30 cities in the El Monte, Foothill and Pomona areas of Los Angeles County. As a private, nonprofit organization, the center works in collaboration with the California Department of Developmental Services to deliver essential services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also serves infants and toddlers through its Early Start program.
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