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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, self-determination, and social and economic justice.
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.
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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.
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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.
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ICI’s Leslie Quarles Featured on an Episode of Mentor Moments

This spring, the Institute for Community Inclusion’s (ICI) Leslie Quarles from the Missouri Employment First team was featured on an episode of the Mentor Moments podcast, Take a Deeper Dive into Employment First and Initiatives Supporting its Success.

Mentor Moments interviews counselors and mentors who share unique personal and professional experiences from their fields. Leslie shared about her journey as a rehabilitation counselor, program surveyor, board member, and training associate and the importance of partnerships in each of her roles.

“Providers can look at another provider as a competitor or they can look at it as ‘we have a shared mission’. So, I think it’s really important for us to all collaborate.”

Listen to the full episode with the transcript on Apple podcasts (you must download a web application to view the transcript).