ACES to host free summit for youth, families and individuals with disabilities in Miami

Alliance Community & Employment Services (ACES) will host its free Leaders with a Destiny Summit on Aug. 8, bringing together youth, families, educators, employers and community organizations for a day focused on education, advocacy and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities.

The summit will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miami Dade College's North Campus, located at 11380 NW 27th Ave. Admission is free and open to the public, though organizers encourage advance registration.

Designed with a special emphasis on families of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the event aims to help participants prepare for the transition back to school while connecting them with educational, employment and community resources.

Attendees will hear from educators, advocates and professionals on topics including educational rights, effective advocacy, building strong partnerships with schools, social and emotional readiness, and creating positive, inclusive learning environments.

ACES, a nonprofit organization, provides employment services, disability consulting, education, mental health support, business development and other programs designed to help individuals with disabilities and members of underserved communities achieve greater independence and long-term success.

"At ACES, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face," said Lixon Nelson, co-founder and executive director of Alliance Community & Employment Services. "The Leaders with a Destiny Summit reflects our commitment to equipping families with knowledge, connecting them to life-changing resources, and creating opportunities that empower youth and individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams with confidence. When communities come together to support one another, we don't just change lives; we build stronger, more inclusive futures."

The event will feature a leadership panel discussion, educational breakout sessions, a community resource and vendor fair, networking opportunities, a complimentary lunch, and a free backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last.

Organizers are also inviting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, employers and community agencies to participate in the summit by sharing information about programs and services that support individuals with disabilities and underserved communities.

In addition, ACES is encouraging community members, businesses and civic organizations to support its back-to-school initiative by donating backpacks and school supplies through the organization's Amazon wish list. Items purchased through the list will be shipped directly to ACES and distributed to students attending the summit while supplies last.