WISE delivers information, continuing education, & technical assistance in areas that affect the employment and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
03/13/2026
Our Texas Beacons of Excellence (TBE) team member, Risa Mack, recently had the opportunity to exhibit at the Region 16 Transition Fair hosted by the Education Service Center in Amarillo.
The event brings together students with disabilities, families, colleges, employers, adult service agencies, and community partners to help students explore pathways to employment, postsecondary education, and independent living after high school.
It was a strong turnout, with juniors and seniors from Amarillo High, Caprock, Tascosa, and Palo Duro High Schools in attendance. Risa connected with more than 100 students and began conversations with several potential business partners interested in expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
We’re grateful to be part of efforts that help students envision their futures and build meaningful pathways to success.
03/05/2026
It's important for students to feel prepared to succeed as they transition to college and beyond – this is what our Transition Program is here to do! We love to hear these testimonials where parents can see the change in their students ✨
That’s exactly why our Transition Program exists — to help students build real-world skills, confidence, and independence as they prepare for life beyond high school.
We’re grateful for families who trust us to support their students during this important transition. 💚
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to celebrate disability inclusion, expand accessibility, and champion opportunity for people with developmental disabilities.
Individuals with developmental disabilities are valued members of our communities and our workforce. When everyone has access to meaningful employment and opportunity, we are stronger together.
At UNT WISE, we believe disability inclusive workplaces and communities benefit everyone. Let’s continue building pathways to sustainable employment and full participation for all — not just this month, but every day.
02/23/2026
Hey everyone!
Our team is set up at the Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy and Education(ARRPE) Conference! 🎉 Stop by our booth to learn more about our programs, grab some awesome UNT WISE swag, or just say hi. We’re excited to connect with you—see you soon!😊
02/21/2026
Our recent Transition Summit at Waxahachie High School was more than an event — it was a launchpad. 🚀
Students left with clearer career goals, a stronger understanding of college and training pathways, and greater confidence in their interview and workplace skills.
As one teacher in attendance shared, “Our students enjoyed the variety of topics—one even took five pages of notes! On the way home, they excitedly shared what they had learned. This experience gave our students a chance to participate in something they may not have otherwise had, and we are so grateful…I’m excited to work with everyone and continue learning from you all. Your support and knowledge truly means a lot.”
We are happy students left knowing their future is full of options — and they are ready for it!
02/20/2026
✨ Introducing our ENGAGE Graduate Assistants for the Spring semester! ✨
These talented leaders play an essential role in the ENGAGE program providing one-on-one support to help students build college readiness skills and creating engaging events that enrich the UNT experience. We’re grateful for their dedication to empowering students and fostering a vibrant, supportive community.
02/19/2026
Attention: Parents of neurodivergent college students 📣
Looking for ways to better support your student’s college journey? Check out the Manager to Consultant: Parenting Your Neurodivergent Student workbook—grounded in national surveys from college autism program directors and parents like you.
We’re excited to be attending the Texas Transition Conference this year. Be sure to check us out and stop by our booth to learn more about our incredible programs!
02/17/2026
LeDre and Anna’s journeys remind us what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Through the Texas Beacons of Excellence, meaningful competitive integrated employment isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality. Hear from LeDre, Anna, their families, and our incredible partners, Garza & Carrillo and Bridge Center, about the power of believing in potential and opening doors.
Texas Workforce Commission | UNT College of Health and Public Service | UNT - Department of Rehabilitation & Health Services | University of North Texas
02/10/2026
We were proud to have Lucy Gafford represent UNT WISE at last week’s Frisco Rotary Club meeting to share more about our programs and the impact of inclusive education and workforce partnerships.
Rotary’s mission to provide service, promote integrity, and create lasting change through the leadership of business and community partners closely mirrors our mission at UNT WISE—expanding opportunities for people with disabilities through education, workforce preparation, and meaningful community engagement. Both of our organizations believe that when people unite around purpose, we don’t just change programs—we change lives.
Thank you to The Rotary Club of Frisco for the thoughtful conversation and for the work you do every day to build goodwill and opportunity across North Texas. UNT WISE looks forward to continued collaboration that helps more individuals discover their talents, contribute their skills, and thrive in inclusive workplaces and communities.
02/07/2026
We are redefining what workforce success looks like—for businesses and individuals alike. Our partnership with Quest Employment Services, Inc. demonstrates how disability employment unlocks talent, strengthens workplaces, and fuels economic growth.
By equipping providers with training, practical tools, and best practices in inclusive employment, the Texas Beacons of Excellence (TBE) ensures that businesses gain motivated, skilled employees who contribute meaningfully to the workforce.
The future of work is inclusive, and TBE is here to make it a reality. Let’s build a stronger, more skilled workforce—together.
Texas Workforce Commission| University of North Texas| UNT College of Health and Public Service| UNT - Department of Rehabilitation & Health Services
02/06/2026
Join us for a lunch-and-learn in collaboration with Disability:IN!🍴
When🗓️: Thursday, February 19th 12:00 pm to 1:00pm
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Located at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, UNT WISE is the premier training and consultancy group for programs seeking to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. UNT WISE conducts training, hosts conferences, and provides technical assistance to community rehabilitation programs (CRP) and organizations serving individuals with disabilities. UNT WISE provides over 100 training events, serving more than 2,300 individuals, annually.
UNT WISE holds the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators approval for its Supported Employment Basic Certificate courses. Its online certificate program was hailed as "model for online training" by ACRE panel reviewers. ACRE approved training is required by many states as a prerequisite for employment services providers.
UNT WISE partners with universities, vocational rehabilitation agencies and other stakeholders to develop new training and service programs based on the needs of specific communities. Some recent collaborations include:
In an effort to increase the quality of employment services provided by Employment Services Providers in Texas, the Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services legacy agency partnered with UNT WISE in 2010 to develop and maintain a credential process. The credential requirement applies to all employment services providers such as Job Coaches, Job Skills Trainers, Job Placement Specialists, Supported Employment Specialists and CRP Directors. UNT WISE developed the credentialing process, including the training and testing. UNT WISE manages the maintenance of the credential. Over 2,000 individuals hold one or more employment services credentials.
In 2016, UNT WISE introduced a new credential for Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT). This credential is designed to build the skills and knowledge for credentialed Job Placement Specialists to effectively assist a person with a disability to learn skills needed to become work and job ready. The course includes the instruction on universal design for learning and accommodation as well as eight VAT content areas related to vocational exploration, soft skills, disclosure, financial education, and public transportation training.
UNT WISE introduced the Autism Endorsement in the Spring of 2016. This endorsement provides credentialed Supported Employment Specialists tools to support individuals with autism. The endorsement also includes training on the Environmental Work Assessment, which assist persons with autism to identify a work environment consistent with their unique support needs.
Live and Learn program designed for transitioning youth with disabilities to explore career pathways, envision a job they liked in their future, and practice independent living skills. Not only does the program provide a platform for participants to explore career pathways and visit workers doing these jobs, but also serves as a venue for UNT's Rehabilitation Studies undergraduates and Rehabilitation Counseling graduate students to put into practice what they have learned. To date, the Live and Learn Program has hosted 100 participants.
College WISE summer program is designed for transitioning youth with disabilities to explore higher education opportunities, expectations of college life, and practice independent living skills. This program also provides an opportunity for UNT's Rehabilitation Studies undergraduates and Rehabilitation Counseling graduate students to put into practice what they have learned. In 2017, College WISE hosted 25 participants.
