Summer Institute

Employment First

Training Description

Join us for an insightful webinar on Employment First, an initiative dedicated to promoting competitive integrated employment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This session will emphasize the importance of incorporating learning, career exploration, and essential skill development into the lives of K-12 students. Discover strategies to ensure that students are equipped with the tools they need to thrive at home, in school, and within their communities. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how we can collectively support the future workforce and foster inclusive environments for all.

Training Objectives

• Learners will understand what is Employment First.
• Learners will understand why essential skills are important in K12 settings.
• Participants will learn how essentials skills impact transition from school to work.

Target Audience

Educators, Administrators, SLPs, OTs, PTs, & Family Members

About the Presenter

Denise Barnes works in the College of Behavioral Community Sciences for FCIC (Florida Center for Inclusive Communities) and CARD-USF (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities). As a consultant for CARD, she travels throughout 6 of CARD-USF’s 14 county area providing direct and technical assistance to families, agencies and educational facilities relating to Autism. As the FCIC Employment Coordinator, she hosts an annual EVC Talent Actualized Conference, coordinates employment and post-secondary webinars for persons across the state of FL, is the FCIC Community Advisory Committee Liaison, and creates fact sheets related to employment of persons with disabilities. She holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Community Inclusion from Wayne State University (MI), and an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Sciences from Northern Michigan University (MI). Denise has worked in the Human Services and providing supports for people with disabilities since 1987. She has been a direct care work, social worker, disability program navigator and a supported employment coordinator. She also serves on various committees in the community and at USF: Co-Chair for the Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities, YES! Supporter, Safe Kids Suncoast, CARD Diversity Committee member, and MZP. Also serves on the Board for FLAPSE.