Students with disabilities in Dixie, Martin, Okeechobee and Taylor counties have new opportunities to explore careers and postsecondary education options thanks to the expansion of The Able Trust’s High School High Tech program for the 2025–26 school year. For more than 30 years, The Able Trust has worked with students with disabilities across Florida to […]
When Jackson R. was a toddler, his mother, Karen, could never have imagined he would one day be an honor roll student and member of the golf team at Hilliard High School. At that time, she simply wanted to know why her young son could not talk. “At two and a half, Jackson was not […]
Wildwood, Fla. – The Able Trust recognized two individuals and six area programs for their outstanding work with the Florida High School High Tech (HSHT) program for students with disabilities at the annual High School High Tech Conference in December. The awardees represent agencies serving Brevard, Broward, Gulf, Hardee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam and […]
When Erica Carter first met Tyler K. during a meeting to discuss his Individualized Education Program plan, she found the then-ninth grader to be quiet and reluctant to participate. “During that transition meeting, his parents spoke more than he spoke,” said Carter, a student coordinator and math teacher for grades nine through twelve at Morningstar […]
The goal of starting a business in the food industry was not always clear to Gulf County High School High Tech student Zoey Ham. Nor, in fact, was any sort of independent future. Ham was held back two years in elementary school due to struggling with an intellectual disability, and had difficulty communicating with others. […]
Wesley Chapel, Fla. – The Able Trust awarded the Champion of Opportunity Award to Tina Pepin, Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation. The award, presented during a celebration luncheon at Saddlebrook Resort, recognized an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities. At the heart […]
After struggling in school while living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, postsecondary education was just about the last thing on Zach Staubitz’s mind as graduation drew closer. “I loved school, but I wasn’t really looking at college when I was a senior,” said Staubitz. “I was like ‘let me just graduate […]
(Editor’s note: This narrative was contributed by Alexandra “Axel” Garcia, a High School High Tech student from Broward County. The following is Axel’s personal story of the impact participating in the High School High Tech program has had on her career goals, aspirations, and self-confidence.) High school was never easy for me. Living with ADHD […]
After crossing the stage at their high school graduation ceremonies, many alumni of the Florida High School High Tech program for students with disabilities either enter the workforce right away or pursue additional education at a college, university, or technical school. Gulf County’s Aden Hortin heard a different calling when he graduated in 2024. “When […]
CategoriesHigh School High TechFor students and educators alike, the end of the school year is a time for reflection—on lessons learned, relationships forged, and goals achieved. The Madison County High School High Tech program’s end-of-year celebration Tuesday was no exception. With students, parents and local education officials in attendance, the celebration honored Madison’s 2024-25 High School High Tech […]
