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The Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society. As practitioners, researchers, and teachers, we form partnerships with individuals, families, and service agencies. Together we advocate for personal choice and self-determination.
We are dedicated to advancing the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Our work encompasses research, program evaluation, training, consultation, education, policy analysis, and service delivery across four main areas of emphasis: Employment, Education, Community Life, and Health Care.
We have three national hubs: ExploreVR and ThinkWork, which focus on inclusive employment, and ThinkCollege, which focuses on inclusive higher education.
Projects
Our projects involve conducting state and national employment research, increasing access to higher education, supporting children with disabilities to plan for a fulfilling future, and much more.
Services
From expert consultation and technical assistance to online training for employment professionals, our services help agency leaders and disability staff to excel and thrive in their work.
Publications
Online Learning

Irina Cain

Transition Manager

PhD, Special Education and Disability Policy from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
MEd, Special Education from University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA
BA, Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Iași, România

Irina is a Transition Manager on the Education and Training team. She previously performed research identifying services and practices associated with postsecondary quality of life and community living; inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life; educational factors associated with improved transition to adulthood; involving families in transition planning; equal access to services, including addressing the intersections of ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, and disability; and translating research findings to inform practice and policy. Prior to her doctoral studies, Irina was a special education teacher in grades 2-12.

Email: irina.cain@umb.edu