Students with disabilities graduate from hands-on hospital training program

ORLANDO, Fla. — For young adults with disabilities, finding meaningful work can feel uncertain. At AdventHealth East Orlando, a recent graduation is helping change that, opening doors to confidence, independence and a stronger sense of purpose.

Three students, Dereck Williams, Trinity Youngspring and Isaac Pugh, were honored Friday after completing a transition program led by the Center for Independent Living in partnership with AdventHealth.

Through hands-on experience in hospital departments, the graduates gained practical skills and workplace confidence to help shape their future.

The program addresses a critical need. Individuals with developmental disabilities often face higher rates of unemployment, limiting access to stable income and opportunities for personal growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“One in five young adults with a disability is not employed, which shows why access to real-world training matters,” said Charlotte Leavitt, president and CEO of the Center for Independent Living. “When individuals have opportunities to build skills and gain experience, they are better prepared to succeed and move forward with confidence.”

By offering hands-on training and mentorship, the program helps participants build skills and confidence for future employment.

Over the course of a school year, students rotate through departments such as Nutritional Services, Supply Chain and Environmental Services, gaining real-world experience while discovering their strengths.

Supported by mentors and transition specialists, participants also develop professional confidence and meaningful connections that can help lead to lasting opportunities.

The graduation ceremony brought together leaders, mentors and families to celebrate perseverance, growth and the support that helped each student succeed.

“We rise by lifting others,” said Julie Sing, director of the AdventHealth Volunteer Program. “Today, we rise together as we celebrate how far these students have come.”

AdventHealth continues to partner with organizations like the Center for Independent Living to expand access to education and workforce training, helping remove barriers and create clearer pathways to employment for individuals with disabilities.

“At AdventHealth, we believe care includes creating opportunities for people to grow, find purpose and build a future they feel confident in,” said Caitlin Lewis, CEO of AdventHealth East Orlando. “By partnering in programs like this, we are helping open doors for individuals to build independence, form meaningful connections and take steps toward a life that feels whole.”

To learn more about the Center for Independent Living and its programs, visit www.cilorlando.org. To find educational, non-clinical opportunities with AdventHealth, click here.