top of page
Biography
Evander "Ev" Smith (They/He) has a strong desire to make the world more accepting & accessible for disabled people at all stages of life, and a commitment to helping others. They are an Autistic self-advocate and speaker specializing in Autistic culture, LGBTQIA+ Autistic identities, and disability inclusion & celebration. Ev has a background in public speaking, disability advocacy, and has worked with many organizations regarding disabled rights, representation, and access. They currently serve on the board of directors of the Neurodiversity Employment Network, and previously served on their advisory board for 2 years. Ev has worked as Diversity Specialist at a PreK-12 school for Autistic students for over 5 years. They frequently speak & present on topics related to Intersecting Identities, Autistic culture, LGBT+ Autistic identities, and Disability Advocacy at conferences and other events.
Frequent Topics
Accessibility
Autistic Identity
Disability Rights
LGBTQIA+ Identities
Ableism
Diagnostic Journey
Intersectionality of Identities
Neurodiversity
Autism
Disability Inclusion
The Queer & Autistic Experience
Neuro-Inclusion
Past Engagements & Publications
 CHOP Speech-Language Pathology Neurodiversity Panel-Panelist- Presented as a panelist to CHOP Speech-Language Pathologists on topics of self-advocacy, ableism, and neuro-inclusive care. |  Neurodiversity for Community Builders: Cultivating Neuro-Inclusion in your Organization, Events, and-Workshop- Presented "Neurodiversity for Community Builders: Cultivating Neuro-Inclusion in Your Organizations, Events, and Beyond" to members of the Junior League of Philadelphia |  Fit and Fun Neurodiversity Presentation-Workshop- Co-Presented "The Neurodiversity Landscape" alongside Laura Sibbald, Executive Director of the Neurodiversity Employment Network to members of Princeton University's Human Resources department. |
|---|---|---|
 Philly Autism Project Conference - October 2023-Conference Workshop- Presented as a panelist at the 2023 Philadelphia Autism Project Annual Conference: Embracing Intersecting Identities Through ALLYSHIP & ADVOCACY. Participated in a panel discussing the intersectionality of panelists' LGBTQIA+ and Autistic identities. |  CHOP PASSAGE Program - January-May 2023-Contributor- Assisted in the creation of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's PASSAGE program for Autistic youth transition into adulthood. PASSAGE stands for Partnership with Autistics for Successfully Supporting Adult Goals and Experiences.Assisted in the creation of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's PASSAGE program for Autistic youth transition into adulthood. PASSAGE stands for Partnership with Autistics for Successfully Supporting Adult Goals and Experiences. |  Neurodiversity Employment Network Meeting - June 2022-Keynote Panelist- Presented as a Keynote Panelist at the Neurodiversity Employment Networks's June 2022 meeting. The keynote panel, "Pushing Philadelphia Forward in Neuro-Inclusion," focused on what employers can do to support hiring and retention of neurodivergent employees, as well as the gains your company can find in the strengths of neurodivergent workers. |
 Neurodiversity Employment Network Meeting - June 2022-Conference Workshop- Co-Presented "Normalizing Need: Micro-Accommodations for a Healthier Workplace." This workshop focused on ways to micro-accommodate yourself and your coworkers in order to create healthier workplaces. |  The Business Case for DEI - NBOA Net Assets - July 2022-Article Publication- Interviewed for "The Business Case for DEI: Structural Solutions" for NBOA's Net Assets magazine. "The Business Case for DEI" discusses the importance of diversity an inclusion in creating real change and community belonging. |  Voices from the Field LGBTQ+ Leaders in Independent Schools - NBOA Net Assets - June 2022-Article Publication- Interviewed for a section of "Voices from the Field - LGBTQ+ Leaders in Independent Schools" for NBOA's Net Assets magazine. "A Waterfall Effect" discusses the highs and lows of being an out transgender person in their independent school, and what positive effects it has on students and other staff members. |
 Monday Lunch with PAISBOA - June 2022-Webinar- Co-Presented "Difference as an Asset: Cultivating Neurodiverse Communities" For "Monday Lunch with PAISBOA," Pennsylvania Independent Schools Business Officers Association's (PAISBOA) Monday morning chat session. This virtual session focused on learning how to hire, micro-accommodate, and retain Neurodivergent staff members, as well as learning what skills ND people can bring to your organization. |  National Business Officers Association (NBOA) Annual Conference - February 2022-Conference Workshop- Co-Presented "Difference as an Asset: Cultivating Neurodiverse Communities" at the National Business Officers Association (NBOA) 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Feb. 20-23, 2022. This session focused on learning how to hire, micro-accommodate, and retain Neurodivergent staff members, as well as learning what skills ND people can bring to your organization. |  Life on the Spectrum: Sex Ed & Dating - September 2021-Panelist and Content Creator- Workshop developed by Ev Smith and Khylil Robinson A two-part workshop consisting of a presentation on sex education for autistic individuals, followed by a panel discussion on dating and relationships featuring autistic individuals. SPEAKERS PART 1 – SEX ED Speaker: Michael John Carley PART 2 – DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS Moderated by: Michael John Carley Featuring a panel of autistic individuals discussing dating and relationships. |
 Life on the Spectrum: A Workshop Series By & For Autistic People-Workshop Series Content Creator- Co-Created the Life on the Spectrum Workshop Series in collaboration with the Philadelphia Autism Project and other Autistic self-advocates. The workshops were focused on sharing information between Autistic people. Topics vary and focus on advocacy, postsecondary education, relationships, and intersectional identities, with content developed by autistic individuals. Interpretation and translation services provided. March 2021 - October 2021 |  Autism National Committee Conference - November 2019-Conference Workshop- Co-Presented "Bringing Autism to Higher Education" with Kristofor Medina which centered on personal experiences and advice for Autistic people entering, currently enrolled in, or thinking about pursuing higher education. |
bottom of page