Welcoming Autism Collier Charter School to Our Community Partner Network
- Employment Network of SW Florida
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
At Employment Network of Southwest Florida, we believe that strong community relationships help us better serve individuals with disabilities and their families.
Every person’s journey is different. Some families come to us looking for guidance about work, Social Security disability benefits, or the next step toward greater independence. Others are still navigating school, transition planning, support services, and the many questions that come with preparing for adulthood.
That is why community partnerships matter.
We are happy to welcome Autism Collier Charter School to our community partner network.
Autism Collier Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school in Naples, Florida, created to provide a specialized learning environment for students with autism. According to the school, its mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and innovative learning environment for students with autism, while helping students grow toward their full potential.
For families of students with disabilities, planning for the future often begins long before graduation. School support, family support, employment preparation, and access to trusted community resources can all play an important role in helping each person move forward.
At Employment Network, our work focuses on employment, independence, and helping individuals understand how work may fit into their lives. But we also know that families often need support in areas beyond our direct services.
That is why we value relationships with local schools, organizations, advocates, service providers, and community partners who are also working to support individuals with disabilities in Southwest Florida.
Autism Collier Charter School serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and includes transition support for young adults ages 18 to 22. The school describes its program as autism-specific, with ABA-infused educational and therapeutic programming, modified curriculum using Florida Standards Access Points, low student-to-teacher ratios, extracurricular opportunities, and parent engagement.
These kinds of resources are important because the path from school to adulthood is not one single step. It is a process.
Families may be asking:
What happens after high school?
What kind of work or training may be possible?
How can my child build more independence?
What support systems are available?
How do we plan for the future while also meeting today’s needs?
No family should have to navigate those questions alone.
By staying connected with organizations like Autism Collier Charter School, Employment Network can continue building a stronger circle of support for individuals with disabilities and their families. When we know what resources exist in our community, we are better able to listen, guide, and connect people with support that may help them take the next step.
This partnership reflects something we believe deeply:
Progress is stronger when the community works together.
We are grateful to welcome Autism Collier Charter School to our partner network, and we look forward to staying connected as we continue working toward a more supportive, inclusive, and opportunity-filled future for individuals with disabilities in Southwest Florida.
About Employment Network of Southwest Florida
Founded in 2013, Employment Network of Southwest Florida supports adults with disabilities in securing meaningful employment and long-term success throughout Naples and Southwest Florida. As a certified vendor of Vocational Rehabilitation and an Approved Member of the American Dream Employment Network, ENSWFL offers comprehensive job coaching, supported employment services, and employer partnerships.
Idela Hernandez, Executive Director, brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals with disabilities return to work and achieve self-sufficiency. She holds a BS in Human Services from Florida Gulf Coast University and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky. Idela is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC).
Contact Information:
📞 (239) 452-4020
📍 3050 Horseshoe Dr N, Suite 158, Naples, FL 34104
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