FIU Embrace presents postsecondary program and Sept. disability conference

Janice Metz, career specialist for FIU Embrace, briefed the Special Needs Advisory Board on EI U Embrace’s postsecondary program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and shared details about an upcoming disability conference.

"My name is Janice Metz, and I'm the career specialist for FIU Embrace," Metz said, describing the program’s degree and non‑degree tracks, micro‑credentials in areas such as allied health and hospitality, and a new policy to accept students of all ages in the non‑degree track. She said the program currently serves about 40 non‑degree students and is growing; the first older cohort under the revised age policy is expected in the January semester.

Metz also announced a two‑day disability conference scheduled for Sept. 21–22 at FIU’s main campus (MMC) with a program intended to highlight research, best practices and inclusion strategies. She said registration had been filling and offered to share her contact information and the Eventbrite/QR registration link with board staff if the group wanted to promote the conference locally.

Board members asked clarifying questions about dates, location and registration; Metz offered to resend the flyer and contact details and to help the board share the registration link if needed.