The FGCU Golisano Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Initiative (GIDDI) facilitates an array of programming at the Modular 2 facility. These initiatives are designed to foster collaboration among students, faculty, and staff through purposeful engagement, advancing FGCU's institutional mission to cultivate a more welcoming and accessible environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within FGCU and the broader Southwest Florida region.
Get Involved
Our Newest Initiative: Non-Verbal Communication Bracelets (Collaboration with Social Sanctuary Club)
Non-verbal communication bracelets are simple visual tools designed to help others respect your social boundaries and energy levels in real time.
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What is the Social Sanctuary Club?
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GREEN: Open to Connect
- Signal: I am feeling social and would love to engage in conversation or collaboration.
- The Vibe: This indicates that your social battery is charged and you are welcoming new interactions.
YELLOW: Proceed with Caution
- Signal: I am feeling a bit overwhelmed or irritated, so please keep interactions brief and mindful.
- The Vibe: This serves as a gentle "slow down" sign, letting others know you have limited energy for social exchange right now.
RED: Low Energy / Do Not Disturb
- Signal: I am not in the mood to interact right now and need space to focus or recharge.
- The Vibe: This creates a clear boundary to protect your peace, signaling that you are unavailable for conversation at this time.
GIDDI Nights
Looking for a place to unwind and connect?
GIDDI Nights takes place at Modular 2 every Tuesday evening, bringing neurodiverse and neurotypical students together for a fun, relaxed night on campus. GIDDI Nights is built around our dedication to “Create a campus that invites students with IDD to thrive,” offering a safe space to decompress after classes. Come enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, meet new friends, and build genuine community!
ASL Classes
Free American Sign Language (ASL) classes are available to the FGCU community, including faculty, staff, and students, at Modular 2. These classes directly support FGCU GIDDI’s key goals of creating a campus that invites individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive and developing graduates who advocate for the IDD community.
Our classes welcome everyone, regardless of prior experience or skill level. Learning ASL isn’t just about mastering a new language; it’s an opportunity to expand your perspective, enhance your professional toolkit, and actively participate in building a barrier-free environment. No matter where you are on your signing journey, there is a place for you here.
Neurowings
Come join Neurowings held on Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 AM to grow more in your interests at FGCU and find the degree that suits your interest. These gatherings directly support FGCU GIDDI’s key goals of creating a campus that invites individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive and developing graduates who advocate for the IDD community. Learn from the GIDDI staff and participants how to find your flock and feel welcome at FGCU with the abilities you have to be successful!
The Nesting Place
FGCU's first sensory room where all are welcome to be a part of FGCU GIDDI. Sensory rooms have been shown to improve focus, enhance learning, and relieve stress.
The Nesting Place directly supports FGCU GIDDI’s key goals of creating a campus that invites individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive and developing graduates who advocate for the IDD community.
Contact Us
Golisano Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Initiative
10501 FGCU Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33965
Phone: (239) 745-4272
Email: giddi@fgcu.edu
