The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion

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.

01/29/2026

Spring In-Person Career Camp for Pre-ETS Students

Our Spring In-Person Career Camp is designed to help students build confidence, explore career interests, and develop essential workplace skills through hands-on, interactive activities in a supportive environment.

Student Eligibility Criteria:
• Ages 14–21
• Currently enrolled in school
• Must have an IEP or 504 Plan
• Must be a Pre-ETS eligible student

Referral Requirements:
• Students must be referred by a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor
• If interested, please contact your local VR office to connect with a VR Counselor for a referral

This in-person camp is ideal for students who benefit from structured learning and direct support while preparing for future employment opportunities.

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.

01/29/2026

What Inclusion Means to Us

Inclusion means creating spaces where everyone belongs, is valued, and has the opportunity to succeed. It’s about recognizing individual strengths, honoring differences, and providing the supports people need to reach their goals.

To us, inclusion looks like meaningful access to education, employment, and community life. It means listening to lived experiences, removing barriers, and ensuring individuals are not just present—but actively participating and thriving.

Inclusion is not a one-time effort. It’s a commitment we make every day to build communities where everyone has a voice and a path forward.

01/28/2026

Circle of Control Reminder

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when we focus on things that are out of our hands. The Circle of Control helps us pause and refocus our energy on what we can control.

You can’t always control other people, outcomes, or unexpected changes—but you can control:
• Your effort
• Your attitude
• How you respond to challenges
• The choices you make each day

When we put our energy into what’s inside our circle, we build confidence, reduce stress, and make real progress toward our goals.

Today’s reminder: Let go of what you can’t control, and take ownership of what you can. Small, intentional choices add up.

01/28/2026

Self-Advocacy Training – Starting Next Tuesday

Our 6-week Self-Advocacy course begins next Tuesday and is designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and learn how to effectively express their needs, goals, and choices.

Participants may choose the format that works best for them:
• In-Person
• Virtual

This course is ideal for individuals looking to grow their independence and self-advocacy skills in education, employment, and everyday life.

For more information or to register, please contact us directly.

01/27/2026

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 held virtually, so you can join from anywhere.

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

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

01/16/2026

Oviedo Little League Challenger Baseball – All Are Welcome!

It’s time to play ball! 🏟️⚾
Oviedo Little League Challenger Baseball invites kids, teens, and adults of all abilities to join the fun this season. Everyone is welcome to participate, make friends, and enjoy America’s favorite pastime!

Sign up by February 9th to secure your spot.

For more information and to register, contact Kurt Kimball at kkimball19@yahoo.com.

01/15/2026

In-Person Self-Advocacy Training

Join us for our In-Person Self-Advocacy Course, designed to help participants build confidence, communicate their needs, and develop skills to advocate for themselves at school, work, and in the community.

Participants will work on:
• Identifying personal strengths, interests, and goals
• Effective communication and self-expression
• Understanding accommodations and supports
• Practicing decision-making and problem-solving skills

This course is open to Pre-ETS and traditional VR clients and is a great opportunity for students looking to strengthen independence and prepare for future employment or post-secondary goals.

📍 In-person
📅 Afterschool sessions
⏱️ 6-week course

For more information or to register, please reach out to your VR Counselor to request an authorization or contact us directly.

01/14/2026

We are excited to share an upcoming Virtual Post-Secondary Educational Counseling opportunity designed specifically for Pre-ETS clients who are interested in exploring post-secondary education options.

This 25-hour virtual training helps students prepare for life after high school by covering topics such as:
• Exploring colleges, universities, and training programs
• Understanding FAFSA and the financial aid process
• Learning about scholarships and funding resources
• Navigating Office of Disability Services (ODS) supports and accommodations
• Learning about work-study programs and balancing school with employment

Training Dates & Times:
Presidents Day Weekend: February 14–16
Second Weekend: February 21–22
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM each day

Participants must attend all scheduled days to complete the training.

If a student is interested in participating, please reach out to your VR Counselor to request an authorization, which is required for enrollment.

If you have questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to supporting students as they plan for their post-secondary goals.

01/09/2026

Our GOAA program site visit was a valuable and engaging experience for our students. During the visit, the GOAA team went over what the GOAA program is and how it operates at the airport, giving students a clearer understanding of the purpose of the program and the opportunities it provides.

Experiences like this help students connect classroom learning to real-world career pathways and expand their understanding of future employment opportunities.

Thank you to the GOAA team for hosting our students and providing such an informative visit.

01/08/2026

The site visit to the OCLS Melrose Center was an incredible experience. The Melrose Center at Orlando Public Library is a collaborative workspace that provides access to technology, resources, and training in areas such as digital media, design, fabrication, and entrepreneurship.

Students had the opportunity to explore the space, learn about the different creative labs, and see how these resources can support career exploration and skill development. It was inspiring to watch students engage with new tools and imagine future possibilities.

Thank you to the OCLS Melrose Center team for welcoming our students and making this visit both informative and engaging.