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

❄️ Happy First Day of Winter! ❄️Winter is here—a season for new opportunities, cozy moments, and fresh beginnings. Wheth...
12/21/2025

❄️ Happy First Day of Winter! ❄️

Winter is here—a season for new opportunities, cozy moments, and fresh beginnings. Whether you’re gearing up for holiday fun, winter programs, or just enjoying the crisp air, this season is the perfect time to set goals and try something new!

What’s one thing you’re excited to do this winter? Share with us in the comments!

Excitement is building as we kick off two amazing programs designed to help young adults grow skills, confidence, and in...
12/20/2025

Excitement is building as we kick off two amazing programs designed to help young adults grow skills, confidence, and independence:

💡 In-Person Self-Advocacy Training
📅 December 20, 22, 23, 26
⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 365 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765
Participants will practice speaking up for themselves, making decisions, and building independence in real-life situations.

🎓 Virtual Post-Secondary Educational Counseling Training
📅 December 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
💻 Online
Participants will explore college and post-secondary opportunities, set meaningful goals, and learn essential skills for success after high school.

Both programs are a fantastic chance to learn, grow, and prepare for the future in a fun, supportive environment.

🚀 Winter Career Camp – Tech Edition! One Week Away!Get ready to dive into technology and hands-on career skills at our 3...
12/20/2025

🚀 Winter Career Camp – Tech Edition! One Week Away!

Get ready to dive into technology and hands-on career skills at our 30-hour Winter Career Camp! Participants will explore tech careers, gain real-world experience, and build skills for school, work, and independent living.

🗓 Dates: December 27, 29, 30, 31
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 365 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765

During camp, participants will:
• Explore careers in technology and digital innovation
• Practice teamwork and problem-solving skills
• Gain hands-on experience
• Build confidence and independence

Interested? Contact your VR Counselor today to register and secure your spot!

The SOAR Beyond 22 boys had an amazing day exploring the Central Florida Zoo! 🐒🦁 From observing animals to learning abou...
12/19/2025

The SOAR Beyond 22 boys had an amazing day exploring the Central Florida Zoo! 🐒🦁 From observing animals to learning about their habitats, they practiced important life and independence skills like teamwork, communication, following directions, and asking thoughtful questions. Every visit is a chance to grow, learn, and have fun while building skills that last a lifetime!

In life and at work, it’s easy to get worried about things we can’t control. 🌟 But real success happens when we focus on...
12/18/2025

In life and at work, it’s easy to get worried about things we can’t control. 🌟 But real success happens when we focus on what we can control—like our choices, our actions, and how we treat others. By paying attention to what really matters, setting small goals, and practicing problem-solving, you can feel more confident and ready for any challenge!

Remember: you have the power to make a difference in your day, your work, and your life.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment starts with all of us! 🌟 At The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion...
12/17/2025

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment starts with all of us! 🌟 At The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion, we believe that small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s offering a friendly smile, listening actively, or celebrating each person’s unique strengths, everyone has the power to help others feel valued and included.

Check out the picture for some simple ways you can make your community more welcoming—because together, we can create spaces where everyone belongs. 💛

🌿 SOAR Beyond 22 Explores the Wetlands! 🌿Our SOAR Beyond 22 participants had an amazing time exploring the Central Flori...
12/15/2025

🌿 SOAR Beyond 22 Explores the Wetlands! 🌿

Our SOAR Beyond 22 participants had an amazing time exploring the Central Florida wetlands! This hands-on experience allowed them to learn about local ecosystems, observe wildlife, and practice important independent living skills like teamwork, navigation, and safety in outdoor settings.

We love seeing our participants gain confidence while discovering new environments and building skills they can use in everyday life.



🎓 Virtual Post-Secondary Educational Counseling Training – Starting Soon!Is your young adult preparing for college, voca...
12/13/2025

🎓 Virtual Post-Secondary Educational Counseling Training – Starting Soon!

Is your young adult preparing for college, vocational school, or other post-secondary opportunities? Our 40-hour virtual training is designed to help participants explore educational options, set goals, and build the skills needed for success after high school.

🗓 Dates: December 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
💻 Location: Virtual

This training will help participants:
• Explore post-secondary education options
• Understand how to advocate for themselves in school
• Set educational and career goals
• Build confidence and independence

Spots are limited! Contact your VR Counselor today to register and secure your spot.

📢 In-Person Self-Advocacy Training – Starting in One Week!Our Self-Advocacy Training helps young adults communicate thei...
12/13/2025

📢 In-Person Self-Advocacy Training – Starting in One Week!

Our Self-Advocacy Training helps young adults communicate their needs, make decisions, and gain independence in a hands-on, supportive environment.

📅 Dates: December 20, 22, 23, 26
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 365 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765

Whether your young adult is preparing for school, work, or independent living, this training is a great opportunity to strengthen essential life skills while connecting with peers and learning from experienced instructors.

Spots are limited—contact your VR Counselor today to register and secure your spot!

SOAR Beyond 22 Explores the Central Florida Wetlands!Our SOAR Beyond 22 students had an amazing time visiting the Centra...
12/12/2025

SOAR Beyond 22 Explores the Central Florida Wetlands!
Our SOAR Beyond 22 students had an amazing time visiting the Central Florida Wetlands! From observing wildlife to learning about wetland ecosystems, everyone enjoyed a hands-on experience that combined education, teamwork, and outdoor adventure.

This trip also gave students the opportunity to practice important independent living skills, such as navigating new environments, following directions, making observations, and working together to problem-solve in real-world settings. Experiences like this help build confidence, decision-making, and self-sufficiency—key skills for life beyond the classroom.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Sensory-Friendly Design MattersCreating an inclusive workplace begins with understandin...
12/11/2025

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Sensory-Friendly Design Matters

Creating an inclusive workplace begins with understanding the diverse sensory needs of your team. A sensory-friendly environment helps employees stay focused, comfortable, and successful throughout their workday.

We’re sharing a Sensory Design Checklist to help workplaces identify simple improvements—whether it’s reducing visual clutter, offering quiet spaces, or adjusting lighting. Small changes can make a big difference in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Check out the attached checklist and consider how your organization can take steps toward a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

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.