The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion

The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion A non-profit that empowers young adults with disabilities, founded by families of children with autism.

We provide innovative programs and support for a successful transition to employment, fostering inclusivity and advocating for equal opportunities. Nonprofit/Education
Disability Advocacy
Disability Service Provider
Community Inclusion

Work Readiness & Pre-Placement TrainingThis training is designed to help students and young adults build the foundationa...
02/20/2026

Work Readiness & Pre-Placement Training

This training is designed to help students and young adults build the foundational skills needed to prepare for employment and future work experiences.

Participants will focus on:
• Understanding workplace expectations and professionalism
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Time management and responsibility
• Preparing for job placement and work-based learning experiences

There are three virtual sessions, scheduled to follow Florida school Spring Breaks, allowing Pre-ETS and VR clients anywhere in the state of Florida to participate.

If interested, please contact your local VR office to connect with a VR Counselor for referral.

If you have any questions message us.

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills! From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time manag...
02/19/2026

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills! From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, these skills help our participants succeed in school, work, and life.

At SOAR Beyond 22, we focus on building these essential skills every day to prepare our young adults for independence and meaningful opportunities.

Our SOAR Beyond 22 participants had an amazing time at Blue Springs! They got up close with the gentle manatees, enjoyed...
02/19/2026

Our SOAR Beyond 22 participants had an amazing time at Blue Springs! They got up close with the gentle manatees, enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings, and practiced social and community skills during this fun, educational outing.

Experiences like these are what make learning and growing in the community so meaningful!

Life can feel overwhelming at times, but it helps to focus on what you can control: your attitude, your effort, your cho...
02/17/2026

Life can feel overwhelming at times, but it helps to focus on what you can control: your attitude, your effort, your choices, and how you treat others.

Let go of what’s out of your hands, and put your energy into the things that can truly make a difference.

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of Presidents’ Day.We will resume normal business hours...
02/16/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of Presidents’ Day.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday. If you need assistance, please email us and we will respond as soon as we return.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at the Florida Institute for Community Inclusion.Today is a reminder that inclusion...
02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at the Florida Institute for Community Inclusion.

Today is a reminder that inclusion begins with compassion, understanding, and respect for one another. We are grateful for the families, counselors, students, and community partners who trust us to walk alongside them in building brighter futures.

Love shows up in many ways — through advocacy, opportunity, encouragement, and the belief that every individual deserves to be seen, supported, and included.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Our Post Secondary Educational Counseling Program has officially begun!We are excited to kick off another session focuse...
02/14/2026

Our Post Secondary Educational Counseling Program has officially begun!

We are excited to kick off another session focused on helping students and young adults build a clear plan for life after high school. Throughout this program, participants will explore post-secondary options, identify career pathways, set meaningful goals, and gain the tools needed to move confidently toward employment, training, or further education.

We look forward to supporting each participant as they take this next step toward independence and long-term success.

If you would like more information about future sessions, please contact our team.

Our SOAR Beyond 22 participants had a wonderful time at Fort Christmas during a recent community outing! They explored t...
02/13/2026

Our SOAR Beyond 22 participants had a wonderful time at Fort Christmas during a recent community outing! They explored the historic site, engaged with the community, and practiced independence and social skills—all while making great memories together.

It’s always inspiring to see our young adults grow, learn, and have fun in real-world settings!

Spring Break In-Person Career CampLooking for a meaningful way to spend Spring Break? Our In-Person Spring Break Career ...
02/13/2026

Spring Break In-Person Career Camp

Looking for a meaningful way to spend Spring Break? Our In-Person Spring Break Career Camp is designed to help students build confidence, explore career paths, and develop real-world workplace skills in a supportive environment.

Participants will focus on:

• Career exploration and hands-on learning
• Work readiness and pre-employment skills
• Communication and teamwork
• Resume building and interview practice

This camp is open to Pre-ETS students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Ages 14–21
• Currently enrolled in school
• Have an IEP or 504 Plan

Participants must be referred by their Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. If interested, please contact your local VR office to begin the referral process.

Join us for an engaging and productive Spring Break experience that prepares students for future success.

NOW HIRING: Employment Specialist – Work-Based Learning (WBLE)The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion is seeking a...
02/11/2026

NOW HIRING: Employment Specialist – Work-Based Learning (WBLE)

The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion is seeking an Employment Specialist to support youth and young adults as they explore careers, gain real-world experience, and move toward meaningful, competitive employment.

This community-based role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, working directly with participants and employers, and making a lasting impact through inclusive employment.

Position Details
• Hybrid, community-based position
• Full-time or part-time (varies by program needs)
• Travel to worksites required

Benefits
• Paid training
• Flexible scheduling
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Knowledge of Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE), transition services, or VR/workforce systems

Minimum Requirements (must meet one of the following):
• Four years of experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program, job placement, job coaching, counseling, or related work with individuals with disabilities
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, education, human resources, business administration, or economics) and one year of related experience
• Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in an unrelated field, and two years of related experience

If you are passionate about workforce development, education, or human services and want to be part of purpose-driven work, we encourage you to apply.If you are passionate about workforce development, education, and inclusive employment, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and join a team making a real impact in the lives of youth and young adults.

Submit your application here:
https://www.indeed.com/job/employment-specialist-work-based-learning-wble-789e9539bf0ce3f0

Or email your resume directly to:
Info@floridaincludesme.org

Positions are filling quickly — don’t miss the opportunity to be part of purpose-driven work.

Virtual Q&A Session – February 6thJoin us for a virtual Q&A session on Friday, February 6th at 6:30 PM to learn more abo...
02/04/2026

Virtual Q&A Session – February 6th

Join us for a virtual Q&A session on Friday, February 6th at 6:30 PM to learn more about all of our upcoming Spring programs. This is a great opportunity for parents, clients, and families to hear what’s coming up, ask questions, and decide which programs may be the best fit.

The event will be held virtually, so you can join from anywhere.
If you are unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and shared with those who would still like to hear more.

We look forward to connecting with you and sharing what we have planned for the Spring season.

Registration Link: 9441416a-5c37-479a-a09d-eeb32cc202e0@a9c8e973-5fd3-4703-9ddf-fd55c1786b72" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9441416a-5c37-479a-a09d-eeb32cc202e0@a9c8e973-5fd3-4703-9ddf-fd55c1786b72

01/30/2026

Work Readiness & Pre-Placement Training

This training is designed to help students and young adults build the foundational skills needed to prepare for employment and future work experiences.

Participants will focus on:
• Understanding workplace expectations and professionalism
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Time management and responsibility
• Preparing for job placement and work-based learning experiences

There are three virtual sessions, scheduled to follow Florida school Spring Breaks, allowing Pre-ETS and VR clients anywhere in the state of Florida to participate.

Eligibility requirements:
• Ages 14–21
• Currently enrolled in school with an IEP or 504 Plan
• Must be referred by a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor

If interested, please contact your local VR office to connect with a VR Counselor for referral.

A non-profit that empowers young adults with disabilities, founded by families of children with autism. We provide innovative programs and support for a successful transition to employment, fostering inclusivity and advocating for equal opportunities.

Address

365 Aulin Avenue
Oviedo, FL
32765

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

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Ali’s Story

The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion was founded in 2016. In reality we were founded back in 1992, with the birth of my sister Alice (Ali). Ali was diagnosed with developmental delay when she was 3. When she was 6 her diagnosis was PDD-NOS. Going to school and reaching all the “typical” milestones was a challenge for Ali, and our family. But through it all, when the doctors, teachers and therapists told us what Ali could not do, our family never gave up on our Faith that God had a purpose and a plan for our sweet Ali. Flash forward to 2016, the girl doctors, teachers, and therapists said would never walk properly (vertigo) would never talk properly (speech delays) and would never graduate high school because of her PDD-NOS, well that girl is now the President of a nonprofit organization, has an AA degree and works as a paraprofessional helping elementary school students with disabilities. Today, Ali is 25, loves the outdoors, music, her dogs, and spending time with her boyfriend.

Ali came to me in August 2016 after I had graduated from UCF with my doctorate in Educational Leadership. Ali asked me what was I going to do with the rest of my life. In that moment I wasn’t quite sure of God’s plan for me. I told Ali I wasn’t sure. In that moment she challenged me. Ali asked me if I would consider helping her find ways to help others like her, who society had given up on (her words). So we brainstormed A LOT and we decided with her ideas, my knowledge and training, with help from friends and a whole lot of faith and prayer, we would start a nonprofit organization to help those with disabilities who are still trying to find their purpose and realize God’s plan.

Today, we have a postsecondary program for students over 22 who still need to work on academic goals and those who are still searching to find their purpose. We also have a summer camp for students with disabilities, and we are service providers for Vocational Rehabilitation. We are proud of our achievements and are excited about future opportunities and ways we can ensure all people, regardless of their abilities feel included and purposeful in their communities.