News and Events

Brian Gaunt and Heather George Keynote Presenters at Georgia APBS Conference

The Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support (GAPBS) hosts a conference annually to bring together educators, interventionists, family members, clinicians and community partners to share research, information and resources regarding positive behavior supports and the lasting impact they have in homes, schools and community. Over 800 participants attended the conference in December 2023, where CFS Professor & Division Director Heather Peshak-George, PhD and FCIC Assistant Program Director Brian Gaunt, PhD were invited as presenters of keynote addresses and featured sessions. 

Dr. George's keynote address discussed end-of-year suggestions to reinvigorate PBIS and revitalize partner engagement and positive impact for all. As a featured speaker, she discussed PBIS implementation and provided specifics on creating a safe and effective environment to support all students, including students with disabilities.

Dr. Gaunt's keynote address discussed the potential of collaborative decision-making as a linchpin for effective intervention practices in PK-12 education systems. As a featured speaker, he discussed using PBIS to build stronger bonds with secondary students and their families.

The FCIC (Florida Center for Inclusive Communities) provides training, technical assistance, research, systems change, and dissemination activities focused on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to make informed choices and decisions about their lives, receive support and services that are based on individual goals and outcomes and achieve full inclusion and participate in society, in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities of each individual.

The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC) was established in October 2005 through a University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service grant award from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Through leadership in research and evaluation, capacity building, training, and practice the FCIC is committed to developing a range of supports and services in the areas of Community Supports, Early Childhood, Education, Employment, Health, and Interdisciplinary Training.