Brayden stood in the bustling hospital kitchen, watching meals being prepared for patients. “It looked like a really important job, helping people feel better,” he said. “Maybe I could do something like that someday.”
That moment of connection happened during a field trip arranged by the Education Foundation of Martin County as part of Futures in Focus—a statewide initiative in partnership with the Consortium and The Able Trust. For students with disabilities like Brayden, these experiences aren’t just memorable—they’re life-shaping.
Brayden and his classmates toured hospitals, colleges, and community programs that opened their eyes to real possibilities after high school. Before the program, most students had limited awareness of what lies ahead. Afterward, 83% (25 out of 30) of students reported a clearer understanding of their transition options, from college and job training to supported employment and independent living.
At school, students also ran on-campus businesses—from a coffee cart to a dog biscuit bakery—where they practiced teamwork, customer service, and leadership. These opportunities, paired with visits to programs like Project SEARCH and FAU’s Academy for Community Inclusion, helped students see themselves in roles they
never imagined before.
Teachers noticed a shift. “You could see some students really start to connect the dots between what they’re learning now and what’s possible for them after graduation,” said ESE Staffing Specialist Mrs. Butler.
For Brayden, that spark in the kitchen could lead to a career in health care. For others, it might be hospitality, horticulture, or the arts. What matters is that Futures in Focus helped them see a future—and start walking toward it.
The initiative reached students through nine participating local education foundations in Alachua, Brevard, DeSoto, Hernando, Lake, Martin, Orange, Putnam, and Seminole counties.
