At the Greater EMC Chamber's Business Networking Breakfast presented by ServiceMaster TRS at Highland Pines Golf Club, Jennifer Dantzler — founder and executive director of Inspire ND (formerly Including Kids) — shared a compelling message about shifting the way communities respond to autism and neurodiversity. With more than two decades of experience as a board-certified behavior analyst and former special education teacher, Dantzler outlined Inspire ND’s mission, practical strategies for inclusion, and concrete ways businesses, first responders, and neighbors can make communities truly welcoming.

About Inspire ND and Jennifer Dantzler

Inspire ND has spent 22 years serving children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum. Under Dantzler’s leadership, the organization has evolved from teaching individuals how to be included to educating entire communities on how to include people with autism and other neurodiversities.

As Dantzler explains, the landscape has changed dramatically: when she started in the field autism was reported as affecting 1 in 10,000 people; today it affects approximately 1 in 31. That scale means service providers cannot reach everyone alone — communities must learn to be inclusive.

Mission: Education and Engagement

Inspire ND operates on two core pillars:

• Education: Workshops and trainings for any audience — workplaces, churches, first responders, caregivers, schools — to build understanding and practical skills.
• Engagement: Neurodiverse-friendly events that welcome families and individuals, reduce isolation, and normalize inclusive practices.

“Our mission is to create truly inclusive communities for people with neurodiversity through education and engagement,” Dantzler emphasizes.

Understanding Neurodiversity

Dantzler outlines the importance of the term “neurodiversity,” which has gained broader usage since the 1990s and more visibility after diagnostic changes such as the DSM‑5 consolidation of Asperger’s into the autism spectrum. Neurodiversity recognizes a broad range of cognitive differences — from people who earn PhDs to those with more profound support needs.

Key point: programming and accommodations designed for autism often benefit people with other neurodiverse conditions, such as ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological learning differences. Small, simple changes can create environments that work for everyone.

Simple, Practical Accommodations

• Provide quiet fidget tools or textured stickers to help channel sensory input.
• Normalize movement or discreet stimming in meetings and public spaces.
• Use clear agendas, written job descriptions, and scheduled breaks during meetings (every 20–30 minutes).

These steps not only support neurodiverse individuals but also improve clarity and productivity for entire teams.

First Responder Training: A Life-Saving Priority

Dantzler highlighted a pressing area of need: training first responders to recognize and appropriately respond to autistic meltdowns and other neurodiverse behaviors. Split-second decisions in the field are difficult; without awareness, misunderstandings can have tragic outcomes.

She referenced the recent, devastating incident involving Victor Perez — a young man in crisis who was fatally shot despite his family’s pleas that he was autistic and needed de-escalation rather than force. Stories like this underscore why first responder education is urgent and necessary.

To address this, Inspire ND provides trainings for police, EMTs, and other first responders, and strongly supports legislation such as HB2929, which proposes mandatory annual first responder training on autism. While the bill did not pass that session, Dantzler is determined to keep the momentum and encourages organizations to start training now.

Caregiver Support and Community Events

Autism can be isolating for families, so Inspire ND also focuses on caregiver training and community engagement events that are neurodiverse-friendly. Recent offerings include:

• Caregiver trainings to prepare respite providers and support networks
• Halloween Boo Bash and sensory-friendly Pictures with Santa
• Neurodiverse-friendly bingo nights at Tin Roof

World Autism Day Appreciation Baskets

This year Inspire ND launched World Autism Day appreciation baskets to recognize “autism heroes” — teachers, parents, grandparents, babysitters and others who support people on the spectrum. The response was heartfelt; donors such as the Umble Lions helped fund the first round of baskets.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Dantzler framed neurodiversity as a business asset and a workforce reality. Conservative estimates suggest 20–30% of the workforce is neurodiverse, and many employees choose not to disclose without psychological safety. She shared compelling statistics:

• Approximately 20–30% of the workforce is neurodiverse.
• 96% of neurodiverse employees are retained — indicating strong loyalty and commitment.
• Teams that include neurodiverse members can be about 30% more productive thanks to diverse thinking and creativity.
• Yet roughly 80% of people on the autism spectrum remain unemployed or underemployed.

Practical hiring and workplace adjustments can close this gap:

• Write clear job descriptions and provide structured onboarding.
• Design interview processes that reduce emphasis on non‑job‑related social cues (e.g., eye contact or handshake).
• Offer predictable meeting agendas and regular short breaks.
• Create psychological safety so employees feel comfortable disclosing needs.

Podcast, Sponsorships, and How to Help

Dantzler launched a podcast to amplify voices across the autism community — parents, self-advocates, and professionals sharing lessons learned and stories from three decades of experience. She invites people who want to tell their story to participate and welcomes episode sponsors as a way to support the organization and reach a broader audience.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Inspire ND runs recurring and one-off events to bring people together and raise awareness. Upcoming highlights mentioned include:

• Taste of the Town — September 11 at the UMLE Civic Center (single ticket for food and vendors).
• An annual tennis tournament fundraiser.

How Organizations Can Partner with Inspire ND

Dantzler emphasized that Inspire ND will present workshops, keynotes, and trainings tailored to an organization’s needs. Typical partnership areas include:

• First responder education
• Workplace audits and inclusive hiring consultations
• Caregiver and respite provider training
• Planning and producing neurodiverse-friendly community events

Her message is clear: community inclusion is a shared responsibility. Small changes at work, in schools, places of worship, and public events build a stronger, more creative, and safer community for people with neurodiversity.

"If we just start to think outside of the box as to how we all learn and think differently, we will be a much more successful community."

Get Involved

Businesses, first responders, caregivers, and neighbors can partner with Inspire ND to learn, host training, sponsor podcast episodes, or nominate autism heroes for appreciation. Dantzler offers to speak, consult, and lead trainings to help communities become more inclusive.

For organizations that want to proactively prepare first responders or make workplaces more accessible, Inspire ND recommends starting now rather than waiting for legislation to mandate training.

Conclusion

Jennifer Dantzler and Inspire ND challenge communities to move from focusing solely on individual support to building systems that include neurodiverse people by design. Their work — rooted in practical adjustments, training for critical responders, community engagement, and employer partnerships — offers a roadmap for creating safer, more productive, and more compassionate communities.

To learn more about Inspire ND’s programs, events, or to inquire about trainings and speaking engagements, reach out through the organization’s official channels listed in their materials.