Florida Atlantic: Advancing Career Choices

Florida Atlantic University received a $9.96 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to address a crucial issue: equipping individuals with disabilities for high-demand technology jobs. The initiative, called “Advancing Career Choices for Employment Success in Technology” (ACCESS-Technology), focuses on training youth and adults with disabilities in advanced tech skills, creating pathways to well-paying careers in fields such as cybersecurity, cloud computing and 3D printing.

The initiative leverages expertise from Florida Atlantic’s College of Education and College of Engineering and Computer Science. This interdisciplinary approach is vital to developing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

“ACCESS-Technology is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to transform the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with tailored training and certifications in high-demand technology fields,” said Ayse Torres, Ph.D., the project’s principal investigator and an associate professor in the College of Education. “By bridging the gap between disability and technology careers, we are not only opening doors to competitive integrated employment but also fostering a more inclusive workforce that will drive innovation in the 21st century.”

The program will provide career counseling, customized training and hands- on internships with leading technology companies. Participants will earn industry- recognized certificates that prepare them for high-quality jobs or further education.

“This exciting project is the keystone in a series of initiatives that the two colleges of engineering and computer science and education have jointly planned to make FAU a leader in technology-centered education and workforce development,” said Javad Hashemi, Ph.D., co-principal investigator, inaugural chair and professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Our goal is to use tech-driven education to enhance and complement learning in engineering fields among people with any form of disability.”

The program’s fully online training modules will integrate assistive technologies, accessible formats and flexible self-paced learning options. A comprehensive manual will outline standardized approaches to recruitment, training and certification, ensuring high- quality implementation nationwide.

“Because of its online nature, ACCESS- Technology will be inherently effective in a variety of settings,” Torres said. “The project’s inclusive design ensures that it can meet the needs of diverse learners across different environments.”

The employment gap between individuals with and without disabilities remains stark – 41.7% versus 77.7% as of May 2024. Programs like ACCESS-Technology aim to close this gap by providing participants with the skills and support necessary to thrive in the tech industry.

“This specialized training will help enhance economic opportunities, foster long-term professional growth, and provide the tools needed to excel in advanced technology fields,” Hashemi said. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of disability inclusion. A 2023 Accenture study found that companies excelling in this area achieved 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and double the economic profit compared to their peers. These organizations also outperformed their industry counterparts by 25% in productivity.

Florida Atlantic aims to recruit 240 participants, with 80% completing certification programs. Half will receive paid internships, and the University anticipates that 50% of graduates will secure employment in technology fields while 25% pursue further education.

“By partnering with leading technology companies to offer paid internships, we are providing both theoretical knowledge and invaluable real-world experience, which is crucial for success in the tech industry,” said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., co-principal investigator and dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “We envision this approach to be a hallmark of education at FAU.”

The program also includes establishing a stakeholder advisory committee, ensuring various perspectives to guide its development and implementation.

“This unique project exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research, and I am incredibly proud of this collaborative effort,” said Stephen Silverman, Ed.D., dean of the College of Education. “By combining our expertise, we are not only creating innovative solutions for people with disabilities entering the workforce but also opening up exciting new avenues for our faculty to conduct pioneering research that addresses complex societal challenges.”