Alliance Community & Employment Services (ACES) will host a free community summit this weekend aimed at helping youth, families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for the new school year.
The Leaders with a Destiny Summit is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miami Dade College’s North Campus, 11380 NW 27th Ave., Miami. The event is free and open to the public, with registration available through Eventbrite.
According to a press release, the summit is designed for children, youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families, educators, advocates, employers and community organizations. Organizers said the event will provide practical tools and resources to support students returning to school through presentations, discussions and community partnerships focused on education, self-advocacy, employment readiness, leadership development and independent living.
(Alliance Community & Employment Services)
“At ACES, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face,” Lixon Nelson, co-founder and executive director of Alliance Community & Employment Services, said in the release. “The Leaders with a Destiny Summit reflects our commitment to equipping families with knowledge, connecting them with life-changing resources, and creating opportunities that empower youth and individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams with confidence. When communities come together to support one another, we don’t just change lives; we build stronger, more inclusive communities.”
The summit will feature a leadership panel with national speakers, including bestselling author and ADHD coach Sam Led; inspirational speaker and consciousness coach Felton K. Brown; and entrepreneur, disability advocate and author Thomas Moon, according to the release.
Organizers also plan to offer breakout sessions for parents, caregivers, educators, professionals and individuals with disabilities. Speakers include Nancy Torres Burling, program co-director of the Parent Education Network; Elsie Garcia-Urbay, founder of Rise & Shine Life Coaching and Dragonfly Fit and Fun Social Club; Carlton Daley, director of TRIO Student Support Services at Miami Dade College North Campus; and Dr. Jean Blosser, a speech-language pathologist, author and education consultant.
In addition to educational sessions, the event will include a community resource and vendor fair, networking opportunities, complimentary lunch and a free backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last, the release said.
ACES is also inviting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, employers and community agencies to participate in the summit and connect with families. The organization is accepting donations of backpacks and school supplies through its Amazon Wish List for distribution during the event.
Alliance Community & Employment Services is a nonprofit organization that provides employment services, education, workforce development, disability consulting, mental health support and community partnerships for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities.