Chapter-led National Event
16 July 2026
12.30pm - 1.50pm AEST
Date:
Time:
12.30pm - 1.50pm AEST
The WIL Experience for Neurodiverse Students
Join us for the Queensland Chapter’s upcoming online July forum, exploring the timely and important topic “The WIL Experience for Neurodiverse Students.” The forum will explore common (and unique) challenges neurodiverse students may experience before and during placements; how university placement teams can better prepare and support neurodiverse students; how university placement teams are preparing placement providers to support neurodiverse students and what we are getting right, and what we are getting wrong.
We are delighted to welcome David Smith as our guest presenter. David is a leading neurodiversity and employment specialist, a Developmental Educator, and the Founder of Employ for Ability. He will share valuable insights and practical perspectives on creating inclusive and effective WIL experiences before joining a panel of students who will share their lived experience of undertaking placement.
If you are experiencing difficulties accessing events, please email us at: support@wilaustralia.edu.au
Presenter
David Smith
Employ for Ability
David Smith is the Founder of Employ for Ability and a registered Developmental Educator specialising in neurodiversity and employment. With more than 35 years’ experience across defence, professional services and recruitment, David works with organisations to build practical, sustainable pathways to employment for neurodivergent people.
Since founding Employ for Ability in 2019, David and his team have supported more than 450 neurodivergent individuals into meaningful employment and delivered neurodiversity training across government and the private sector, including major national programs with Services Australia and the Department of Home Affairs.
David is a regular speaker on autism, neurodiversity and employment and was awarded the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Oxford University in 2019.