UNT WISE

04/09/2026

Come join our team! The Access Coordinator position is a crucial position for our office.

Posting Link: https://buff.ly/KHktI5M

04/07/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month 💙

Acceptance starts with understanding, listening, and showing up in ways that truly support autistic individuals. Here are a few meaningful ways we can all do better:

✨ Ask about sensory needs
Everyone experiences the world differently. Take the time to ask about environmental preferences and do your best to accommodate them.

✨ Get to know the person, not your assumptions
Every individual is unique. Let go of stereotypes and make space to learn who they really are.

✨ Offer different ways to communicate
Not everyone communicates the same way—and that’s okay. Be open to verbal, written, visual, or alternative forms of expression.

✨ Be clear and check for understanding
What seems “obvious” may not be for everyone. Clear, specific communication and gentle check-ins go a long way.

Acceptance is about respect, flexibility, and genuine connection. Let’s create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

03/27/2026

No tricks here—just real talk. Join Imagine Enterprises for “Real Talk with Ricky,” a free, interactive Zoom series where self-advocates and families come together to connect, share, and learn from one another.

🗓️ Session 2: Support
📅 Wednesday, April 1st | 🕧 12:30 PM CT
💬 Topic: Learn from Ricky Broussard about self-determination—because taking charge of your life is no joke (even on April Fools’ 😉).

Presented by Ricky Broussard and Norine Jaloway Gill

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/b1Pgf7xeQJqc6nzH8K5tog #/registration

Join us for Real Talk With Ricky-Session 2 on April 1, 12:30pm. Use the Zoom registration link to RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/b1Pgf7xeQJqc6nzH8K5tog

03/27/2026

Collaboration is at the heart of the Texas Beacons of Excellence (TBE) project. By bringing together providers, researchers, and partners across the state, we’re working to identify and elevate best practices that strengthen services and expand opportunities.

We recently asked one of our partners, Garza & Carrillo Consulting, what inspired them to participate in the TBE initiative.

💬 “I was inspired to participate in the TBE initiative because I wanted to contribute to research on best practices within our field. As a provider, I saw value in offering insight into the day-to-day service delivery process and sharing feedback that could inform continuous improvement. I also hoped that my participation would support data-driven decisions related to state policy and funding that ultimately benefit individuals receiving services.”

We’re grateful for partners who are willing to share their expertise and experiences to help move the field forward. When providers, researchers, and community partners work together, we can create stronger systems that better support individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about the Texas Beacons of Excellence project and the work happening across Texas: https://disabilityinnovation.unt.edu/index.html

03/26/2026

We’re proud to spotlight Au'Jonae Counts, Administrative Coordinator at UNT WISE!

In her role, Au'Jonae provides administrative support across multiple programs. Her work behind the scenes helps keep our team organized and ensures our programs run smoothly so we can stay focused on delivering meaningful services to the community. 💚

Team members like Au'Jonae play an essential role in helping our programs create real impact for individuals, families, and communities. She especially values seeing firsthand how these efforts positively change lives, finding it incredibly rewarding to hear feedback and witness the impact our programs have on those we serve.

03/17/2026

Our team got into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit today! 🍀

Staff showed up wearing their best green for a little office fun, and we even had a “Most Green” competition to see who went all out. Congratulations to our winner, Karina, for bringing the most festive spirit to the office! 👏

Moments like this remind us how important it is to create workplaces where people feel connected, valued, and part of a community. That sense of belonging is at the heart of the work we do every day.

Thanks to everyone who joined in — it’s always great to take a moment to celebrate together and share some team spirit.

03/16/2026

Awareness must lead to action—especially when it comes to expanding meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.​

At UNT WISE, our mission is to improve quality of life for people with disabilities through research, professional training, and direct community support. One of the most powerful ways to advance that mission is by expanding inclusive employment.​

When workplaces remove barriers and prioritize belonging, individuals, organizations, and communities all benefit.​
Employment is more than a job—it represents dignity, independence, connection, and the opportunity to contribute unique strengths.​

Want to hear directly from individuals with disabilities about their experiences and successes in the workplace?

Explore the Texas Beacons of Excellence testimonials:​
https://disabilityinnovation.unt.edu/media-press.html​

Together, we can move beyond awareness to build workplaces and communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.​

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. 💚

Want to learn more about our Transition Programs and how they prepare students for what’s next? Visit our website at https://wise.unt.edu/programs/transition-programs/index.html to explore upcoming opportunities!

03/03/2026

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!