The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Autism Friendly Business Initiative w/ CARD at USF, The Florida Aquarium, & The Learning Academy at USF!

CARD & The Learning Academy at USF

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!

This week’s show features the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD-USF) and The Learning Academy Employment Services at USF.  


The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities has many programs and accomplishments. These include CARD’s Autism Friendly Business Initiative, Autism Friendly Tampa, and the collaboration between CARD and HIPPY.  HIPPY is a free, early intervention, school readiness program for children between 3-5 years old. The HIPPY curriculum helps parents transform their homes into interactive learning environment to stimulate cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in children. CARD has a multitude of projects for safety and mental health. To learn more – Click here!

The Learning Academy (TLA) at the University of South Florida (USF) is a 30-week customized transition program that assists in preparing young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder for employment. The Learning Academy provides services, supports and experiential opportunities that develop and enhance each student’s independence in meeting personal career goals. To learn more – Click here!

The Learning Academy Employment Services at USF. Whether you are a job seeker looking for employment or an employer looking for the best person to fill your positions, The Learning Academy Employment Services is ready to help you succeed.

TLA employment services offer businesses solutions by customizing employment for individuals that are reliable, competent and talented. They provide training and technical assistance to ensure the new hire has become acclimated to the job site. Job seekers can expect The Learning Academy to support them through the entire employment process including resume writing, interviewing, placement, and job coaching. TLA’s employment specialists assist job seekers in finding meaningful, individualized, and gainful employment. For more information about TLA’s Employment Services – Click here!

Our guests will include the following:

  • Dr. Karen Berkman – CARD-USF Executive Director and the Learning Academy Director (Retiring)
  • Dr. Beth Boone – CARD-USF Executive Director and the Learning Academy Director (Incoming)
  • Christine Hugh, Assistant Program Director for the Learning Academy’s Employment Services
Pictured: Christine HughDr. Karen BerkmanJulie Ames, SNFH,
                and Dr. Beth Boone

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Autism Friendly Business Initiative w/ CARD at USF, The Florida Aquarium, & The Learning Academy at USF!

CARD & The Learning Academy at USF

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!

This week’s show will feature the Autism Friendly Business Initiative with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD-USF) and The Florida Aquarium, as well as The Learning Academy at USF.  


Our guests will include:
Dr. Karen Berkman, CARD-USF Executive Director and Learning Academy Director
Mindy Stevens, CARD-USF Assistant Director
Rob Lamke, The Florida Aquarium Operations Manager
Susan Richmond, The Learning Academy at USF Coordinator