Event Details
Date/Time/Location
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
6:30 – 7:30PM
Online
Training Description
The mission of USoar is to empower students with intellectual disabilities, fostering their academic, social, and professional growth in a supportive environment. To accomplish this, USoar provides comprehensive employment and independence education, training and experiences to students with intellectual disabilities at UNF. Learn how USoar at UNF can help you soar into your future! During this virtual Information session, you will learn about USoar, its program structure, student selection process and guidelines, and next steps for anyone interested in applying for the 2027 academic year. Prospective students are encouraged to participate with at least one parent or legal guardian. Additionally, education and related service providers who support individuals with intellectual disabilities are encouraged to register for this session. There will be time allotted to answer any admission and program related questions.
Training Objectives
- Establish an understanding of the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities infrastructure.
- Learn about the USoar program at the University of North Florida.
- Determine the application steps and processes
Target Audience
individuals with autism, parents and caregivers, professionals
About the Presenter
Marlena Jenkins, Ed.D
Program Director, USoar
Marlena serves as the Director of the USoar program at the University of North Florida (UNF). She possesses over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral diagnoses via her prior roles of teacher, district personnel, private school administrator, and board-certified assistant behavior analyst. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities with a concentration in Leadership/Advocacy and a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Special Education. Marlena’s doctoral research was centered around the development of a trauma framework grounded in the tenets of universal design for learning within the early childhood population. Additionally, Marlena served on a committee responsible for revamping Florida’s Educator Autism Endorsement, providing guidance as a content area contributor. Marlena has a strong passion for serving individuals across their lifespan in the areas of inclusion, goal setting and planning, and advocacy. Her knowledge and experience as a seasoned professional learning facilitator has led her to present for school teams, districts, parent organizations, and agencies on a local and national stage.
Accommodations
We strive to host accessible events that enable all individuals living in our catchment area* to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Dr. Danielle Liso at 352-265-2241 or card-training@ufl.edu.
*Counties Served by UF CARD: Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, Union
If you live in a different county in Florida, find your CARD here.
Contact
Danielle Liso
card-training@ufl.edu
352-265-2241