FIU Embrace Education

Florida International University in Miami, Florida

FIU Embrace Education
11200 SW 8th Street
MARC 140
Miami, FL 33199

Program Contact	Krystal Sutherland
Email	krsuther@fiu.edu
Phone	3053485445
Website	https://fiuembrace.fiu.edu/home/
Facebook	link to program Facebook page

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The FIU Embrace Education program for non-degree seeking students is a three-year, non-degree, certificate, inclusive postsecondary transition program for students ages 18-28 with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The primary goal of the program is to offer a comprehensive and integrated university-based education that is inclusive and accessible and promotes competitive, integrated employment and independent living in the community. This non-degree certificate Program of Study provides access and participation in a variety of program activities through a system of supports provided by peer, faculty, academic and social mentors, an Employment Liaison, university-based resources, and other key project personnel who work directly with students to ensure that individual and program goals are met. The program provides integrated educational opportunity aimed at developing skills associated with career development and employment; campus and community engagement; self-determination; independent living; and academic enrichment including skill acquisition in ten (10) areas of specialization that prepares student for competitive, integrated, paid employment while developing the student’s ability to live independently (as defined by the student) upon graduation. The program offers students a well-rounded experience while developing skills and competencies in their selected area of specialization. Students can earn micro-credentials and industry certifications in one of ten areas of specialization: 1. Hospitality Operations 2. Food Production 3. Computer Technology, 4. Digital Communication 5. Corporate Communications 6. Animation 7. Health and Nutrition 8. Operating Room Assistant Intern 9. Sterilization Technician Intern 10. Environmental Technician

Program information submitted: April 26, 2021

General
Public or private:	Public
Type of school:	4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program?	No
Students in this program:	Have graduated or exited from high school
Number of students:	32

Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school?	Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular H.S. diploma required?	No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Criteria for admission	Age range: 18-28 The student is not under guardianship The Applicant must express the desire and motivation to complete a postsecondary comprehensive transition program and the qualifications for entry into the FIU Embrace Education program include: • A documented Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder • A completed FIU Embrace Education application with all required documentation included. • Proof that the applicant has exited high school (high school diploma/special diploma) • Applicant must have the legal authority make his/her own decisions that would allow him/her to fully participate in the program. • Applicant must be between the ages of 18 to 25 on admission to the program. • Applicant must complete psychological and adaptive testing through FIU Embrace • Applicant must not have any history of arrest or severe behavioral, sexual or emotional problems • Applicant should have a 3rd grade reading level or demonstrate practical reading skills at the time of the interview • Applicant must demonstrate the ability to function independently for a sustained period of time and require minimal supervision • Applicant must be able to appropriately administer their own prescribed medication, without requiring prompting to do so • Applicant must have the potential to be successful in competitive employment
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:	Intellectual disability Autism
Program length:	3 years

Cost
Students pay for the program in the following ways:	Private pay (student and family) Vocational Rehabilitation Funds Scholarships Grant Funding

Academic
Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities):	Typical college courses for audit Typical Continuing Education courses
Students take courses that are only for students in this program:	Yes
Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office?	Yes
Information on special classes:	Students participate in Independent Living Seminars on a variety of topics geared towards preparing our students for independent living and employment after graduating from the program. The seminars include topics such as transportation, budgeting, laundry and sexual health.
Percentage of academic time spent only with other students in this program:	Between 25% of the time and half the time
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program:	A certificate of completion will be issued by FIU’s Continuing Education Department upon the successful completion of all components of the program. Students can earn micro-credentials and industry certifications in their area of specialization.
Is the credential IHE-approved?	Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE

Employment
Other career development activities are:	Internships Volunteer work
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program?	Yes

Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus:	Yes