The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion

04/22/2026

Work Readiness / Pre-Placement Training – Summer Virtual Sessions

This summer, we are offering two virtual Work Readiness / Pre-Placement Training sessions designed to help participants build essential skills for employment and independence. Each session focuses on preparing students for success in the workplace through interactive training and skill-building activities.

Participants will learn about workplace expectations, communication, teamwork, job exploration, and other key skills needed for pre-placement and employment readiness. Both sessions are delivered virtually, allowing students to participate from home while engaging in structured, instructor-led training.

04/21/2026

We are excited to offer our Summer Virtual Post Secondary Educational Counseling program designed to support students as they prepare for life after high school.

This virtual program helps participants explore education and training options, build self-advocacy skills, and develop clear goals for their future. Students will receive individualized support as they learn about college, vocational training, employment pathways, and other post-secondary opportunities.

All sessions are conducted virtually, making it convenient and accessible for students to participate from home while still receiving high-quality guidance and support.

To learn more about our programs, visit floridaincludesme.org.

04/20/2026

Join us this summer for Career Camp with the Florida Institute for Community Inclusion!

Our in-person Career Camp is designed for students ages 14–21 to explore different career paths while building real-world skills that support independence and future employment. Participants will take part in hands-on activities, workplace readiness training, and interactive experiences that help them discover their strengths and interests.

This in-person experience gives students the opportunity to learn in a structured, supportive environment while engaging directly with staff and peers.

Our programs are funded through Vocational Rehabilitation, making them free for eligible participants. Students will also receive a maintenance fee for each session they complete.

Spots are limited, so be sure to connect with your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to get started and secure your place.

To learn more about our programs and upcoming sessions, visit floridaincludesme.org

04/20/2026

The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion is growing!

We are excited to announce that we will be opening a new location this June in the heart of Downtown Orlando to better serve more clients and families in our community. This expansion allows us to bring programs and support to more of the Central Florida area and provide our Summer Career Camps to even more participants.

Our goal is to continue expanding access to high-quality transition services, career exploration, and work readiness training for young adults.

New Location: 1901 East Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32803

We look forward to welcoming new participants and continuing to support individuals in building skills for independence and employment. Stay tuned for more details about our new location and upcoming programs.

To learn more about our programs, visit floridaincludesme.org.

04/09/2026

This collaborative program offers both in-person and virtual options, creating an interactive environment where students can build social skills while exploring different post-secondary pathways. Participants will learn about college, vocational training, and employment options, while also developing communication and self-advocacy skills.

Program Details:
April 21st – May 7th
Tuesday through Thursday
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
In-Person and Virtual Options Available

This is a great opportunity for students to gain confidence, connect with peers, and prepare for their future in a supportive setting.

For more information or to submit a referral, please contact us directly.

04/02/2026

Today is Autism Acceptance Day—a reminder that inclusion starts with understanding and grows through action.

Acceptance goes beyond awareness. It means recognizing strengths, respecting differences, and creating opportunities where individuals on the autism spectrum feel supported, valued, and included.

At the Florida Institute for Community Inclusion, we are proud to stand alongside the individuals and families we serve every day. Through our programs, we focus on building confidence, independence, and real-world skills—because everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Let today be a reminder to listen, learn, and lead with acceptance—not just today, but every day.

04/01/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time to move beyond awareness and focus on understanding, inclusion, and meaningful support.

As highlighted in this article, acceptance means recognizing that autism is not something to “fix,” but a different way of experiencing the world. It’s about creating spaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves.

At the Florida Institute for Community Inclusion, this is at the heart of everything we do. We see the strengths, potential, and individuality in every person we serve. Whether it’s building work readiness skills, fostering independence, or creating opportunities for connection, we are committed to helping our participants feel a true sense of belonging.

Acceptance isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practice every day through patience, support, and understanding.

Let’s continue to listen, learn, and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Autism Acceptance Month, observed every April, is a time dedicated to promoting understanding and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum. Promoting autism acceptance, not just awareness, this month emphasizes the importance of embracing neurodiversity, supporting the unique experiences of a...

03/27/2026

Flashback Friday

Looking back on our Winter 2025 Career Camps, we are proud of the growth, dedication, and hard work our participants showed throughout each session.

This winter, our focus was on technology careers—giving participants the opportunity to explore in-demand skills, build digital confidence, and gain hands-on experience in a growing field.

From learning new tools to strengthening problem-solving skills, each day helped participants take meaningful steps toward greater independence and future employment.

These moments are a reminder of what’s possible when young adults are given the opportunity, support, and guidance to succeed.

We’re excited to continue creating opportunities for growth in our upcoming programs.

03/26/2026

Belonging isn’t a place—it’s an experience we create for each other.

Every day, we strive to build an environment where our participants feel seen, supported, and valued. Through shared experiences, encouragement, and connection, we help create a space where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Because true belonging happens when we lift each other up.

03/25/2026

SOAR Lunch Prep

Throwing it back to one of our favorite moments from SOAR Beyond 22. Our participants worked together to plan and prepare their own lunches, building independence and everyday life skills along the way.

Activities like this help strengthen confidence, decision-making, and teamwork—skills that carry over into work and daily living.

Proud of the growth our participants continue to show every day.

03/25/2026

At the Florida Institute for Community Inclusion, we see resilience in action every day.

The young adults we work with show us what it truly means to keep going—learning new skills, stepping outside of their comfort zones, and continuing to push forward even when things feel challenging.

Mastering resilience isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about building the confidence to face them.

We help our participants develop resilience by:
• Encouraging a growth mindset through real-world experiences
• Supporting them as they set and achieve personal and career goals
• Creating a safe space to learn from mistakes
• Building independence through hands-on training and work readiness skills

Every step forward—no matter how small—is a win. And we’re proud to walk alongside our participants as they grow stronger, more confident, and more independent every day.

03/11/2026

The SOAR Beyond 22 group recently enjoyed a community outing to a local botanical garden. Participants spent time walking the trails, exploring the different plants and landscapes, and enjoying the peaceful outdoor environment.

Community outings like this provide valuable opportunities for participants to practice social skills, build independence, and engage with the community. Experiences in nature also encourage curiosity, relaxation, and learning about the environment around us.

It was a wonderful day filled with exploration, conversation, and continued growth.