The LA County neurodiversity initiative launched on Oct. 29, 2026, to bring more neurodivergent people into county jobs. A first group of 25 job candidates starts with a two-week virtual job-readiness program. The county announced it during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in a news release.
The effort grows out of a motion the Board of Supervisors approved unanimously on April 1, 2025. Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly J. Mitchell wrote it. It asked for more jobs for people with developmental disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, plus inclusive hiring, accommodations and training.
How the LA County neurodiversity initiative works
NeuroTalent Works, a nonprofit, recruits and prepares the 25 candidates. Of those, 21 spots are reserved for clients of the county’s Regional Centers. The San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, a founding partner, contributed $182,000, and Regional Centers draw start-up money from the California Department of Developmental Services.
After the two weeks, candidates can pursue paid county positions through the Career Development Internship program. Those roles last up to two years, come with a salary and include benefits. The county says earlier NeuroTalent Works cohorts had a 97% training completion rate, and more than 80% moved on to internships and jobs.
Support for workers and managers
The Department of Human Resources leads the initiative. The Aging and Disabilities Department, the Commission on Disabilities and the seven Regional Centers collaborate. Four departments will train supervisors, managers and HR staff in neuroinclusion: Aging and Disabilities, Internal Services, Mental Health and the County Library.
NeuroTalent Works also coaches employees and managers. In addition, a voluntary and confidential Neurodiversity Ambassador Program lets neurodivergent county employees help shape the work. The county says it will track hiring, retention, employee satisfaction and how well training and accommodations work.
Supervisor Hahn said, “We have talented people who have a lot to offer.” The Department of Economic Opportunity plans to use lessons from the pilot in its workforce programs.
How to get involved
The release lists no formal application steps. Instead, it points readers to the county’s Neurodiversity at Work hub and to NeuroTalent Works for candidate and employer information. Because the first cohort is small, openings will likely stay limited for now. Still, the tracking plan suggests the county may expand if results are good. For more local news, see our Los Angeles and California hub.