The Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disability Initiative (GIDDI) Was Established at FGCU Through Funding From the Golisano Foundation. FGCU GIDDI is a Regional Conveyor of Support and Services Related to Improving the Lives of People With Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). It Was Created to Increase Communication Among Southwest Florida Agencies Serving Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Individuals of All Ages and Identify Gaps and Needs for Support and Services for This Population. Once These Gaps and Needs Are Identified, GIDDI Will Partner With Area Organizations to Assist in Building Programming, Services, and Infrastructure to Improve the Quality and Amount of Services and Support That Those in Need Can Access. GIDDI Will Also Work to Connect FGCU Faculty, Students, and Staff With the Area Community to Build a Workforce With Improved Skills and Awareness of the Unique Needs of Those With IDD. Making FGCU a Welcoming Campus and a Support for Their Success.
Mission:
To serve as a regional conveyor of support and services related to improving the lives of people with Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) within the FGCU and Southwest Florida Community.
Vision
FGCU and Southwest Florida will be a rich environment for individuals who are neurodivergent to live and thrive.
Who Has an IDD?
3%
Of the population
21%
Of Undergraduate students
11%
Of Graduate students
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References
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How does FGCU GIDDI make it possible?
With Students
The Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disability Initiative (GIDDI) is dedicated to moving FGCU and the surrounding Southwest Florida community to be a more inclusive place to work, live and play by facilitating collaborations both on and off campus, and hosting events and conferences with the help of partners in the IDD community. Students are welcome to join GIDDI Nights that are catered to exposing students to outdoor, educational, and social activities. GIDDI Nights fosters FGCU GIDDI's want for exposure of the IDD community and promotes the integration of individuals with IDD into our students everyday lives.
With Parents and Caregivers
The Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disability Initiative (GIDDI) is dedicated to provide support and education to the parents and caregivers in the community through forming a collaboration between Southwest Florida partners, ultimately becoming a hub for those who are willing to be accepting of individuals with unique abilities.
With Everyone
The Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disability Initiative (GIDDI) is dedicated to supporting individuals and groups who value inclusivity and adaptivity for those in our community who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. FGCU GIDDI provides educational lectures, presentations, and symposiums where the community can learn about the work that needs to be done to make FGCU and Southwest Florida a more welcoming place for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.
Recent Events
Image of Dr.John Foxe at the Symposium: Innovations in Supportng the Lives of Individuals with IDD
Image of Thomas O'Connor at the Symposium: Innovations in Supportng the Lives of Individuals with IDD
Image of discussion group at the Symposium: Innovations in Supportng the Lives of Individuals with IDD
Image of discussion group recap at the Symposium: Innovations in Supportng the Lives of Individuals with IDD
Contact Us
Golisano Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Initiative
10501 FGCU Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33965
Phone: (239) 745-4272
Email: giddi@fgcu.edu
Support FGCU's Golisano Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Initiative
