A teal and beige graphic with the title "Employment Connection Series: My Experience at FLPEPPI and the Amazing USoar Program at UNF" prominently displayed in white text. The bottom left corner features the Autism Society logo, which consists of an abstract, woven circle design, also in teal. The lower part of the graphic has a wavy beige background with a dashed line design running across it, adding a visual element to the minimalist design. The overall look is professional and clean, emphasizing the subject matter related to employment and program experiences.

Employment Connection Series: My Experience at FLPEPPI and the Amazing USoar Program at UNF 

By Aaron Rock, Director of Employment Initiatives 

A group of five people are sitting around a round table at a conference or event, smiling for the camera. The setting is a spacious, bright room with large windows and curtains. The group consists of a diverse mix of individuals, with two women on the left, one wearing glasses and the other smiling brightly. A man with a beard and long hair sits in the middle wearing a grey blazer. Two more women are seated to the right, one wearing a yellow floral dress and the other in glasses. The table is set with coffee cups and a small plant, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. Other attendees are visible in the background, engaged in conversations.

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re launching this blog series to highlight organizations supporting neurodiverse individuals in the workforce. Through shared stories and experiences, we aim to amplify the voices creating inclusive environments for Autistic individuals.  

The Employment Connections series showcases employment programs for Autistic individuals nationwide, connecting them, caregivers, support programs, and employers to foster access to meaningful work experiences. 

This past summer, The Autism Society of America attended the 2024 Florida Postsecondary Education Program Planning Institute, a four-day event designed to facilitate the planning and implementation of Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Programs (FPCTP) for students with intellectual disabilities in all types of postsecondary education institutes. As the Director of Employment Initiatives for the Autism Society , it was an honor to participate in the event, learn more about the  FPCTP and provide insights about how to integrate Autism-informed practices into postsecondary transition programs. 

The institute brought together a wonderful mix of higher education faculty and staff, disability service providers, special population coordinators, K-12 transition staff, parents, students, and other stakeholders. We had the chance to develop assessment and planning structures and engage in lively discussions about partnerships and collaboration during the facilitated sessions. This kind of interdisciplinary collaboration is so important for developing and enhancing programs like this to meet the diverse needs of students with intellectual disabilities. 

Among the many impressive initiatives showcased, the University of North Florida’s (UNF) USoar program truly stole the show as a stellar example of inclusive education and employment. 

The USoar Program: A Beacon of Hope 

The USoar program at the University of North Florida is an inclusive program designed to support students with intellectual disabilities. Funded through a generous $1.5 million grant from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA), the program serves up to 20 students per three-year cycle and focuses on areas such as academic enrichment, campus and community engagement, career development and employment, independent living, and self-advocacy. 

USoar offers a comprehensive support system through academic and career-oriented workshops, internships, and active participation in campus life. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared not only for academic success but also for independent living and meaningful employment after graduation. This program is geared towards students who are seeking engagement, experience, and certifications, and is not a degree seeking program. 

Kudos to UNF and Florida’s Bipartisan Legislature 

Like most successful programs, USoar’s quality programming is a result of its dedicated and hard-working team. I must give a huge shout-out to the USoar team comprised of Dr. Marlena Jenkins, Dr. Debbie Reed, Amy Williams, and Tyler Charles, for their incredible dedication and hard work in bringing the USoar program to life. Their commitment to inclusive education is truly inspiring. Marlena shared, “I quite often hear that families and professionals are told to begin with the end in mind. This leads to intense efforts to secure lifelong resources and funding but for many, the postsecondary years are overlooked and undervalued as an important stage of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It is during these years that adult relationships and careers are bolstered into success and stability. This is no different for individuals with IDD. USoar aims to reignite the conversation surrounding fulfilling and well-rounded independence across all domains of a postsecondary student’s life. We are excited to bring Northeast Florida and our local communities this option for students.” 

Additionally, Florida’s bipartisan legislature deserves recognition for their role in supporting such initiatives, showing a strong commitment to inclusive education for all students. Growing Our Network of Inclusive Programs 

The Autism Society  is continually looking for programs that can help us better connect individuals to the resources that meet their unique needs.  

Collaborating with USoar can greatly enhance our existing initiatives and provide a framework for developing similar programs within our organization. This effort is part of the Autism Society’s broader Employment Initiative, which aims to create more opportunities and better employment outcomes for all members of the Autism community. 

Our goal is to support programs that fit all parts of the Autism community, recognizing that diverse needs require diverse solutions. By doing so, we can create better opportunities within employment and ensure that everyone has a chance to thrive. 

Looking Forward 

Attending the FLPEPPI was a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable insights and explore opportunities for collaboration. By partnering with state institutions and leveraging the successful model of UNF’s USoar program, we can make significant strides in supporting inclusive education and employment for individuals with Autism and other intellectual disabilities. 

It has been an amazing year for the Autism Society’s  Employment Initiative. We are proud of the strides we’ve made in developing innovative resources and programs that enhance employment opportunities for the Autism community. From the launch of our “Autism-Informed Organization “course series,” and with the collaboration and partnerships with other likeminded organizations, our efforts are laying the groundwork for future success. As we look ahead, we are more committed than ever to expanding these opportunities and continuing to collaborate with partners across industries. Together, we can build a future where every Autistic individual has access to meaningful, supportive, and sustainable work experiences. 

 

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