Inclusive Education Services Student Leverages College Experience in Forging Path Toward Independence

A few years ago, Nina Johnston wasn't sure she wanted to attend college. Now, looking back, she considers it one of the best challenges she has ever accepted.

Johnston, who was born without arms, joined UCF's Inclusive Education Services (IES) program in Fall 2024 and is now graduating this May. IES, housed by the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute in the College of Community Innovation and Education, is a state-recognized, two-year certified transition program that immerses students with disabilities into campus life while helping them develop the independence necessary for long-term employment.

Johnston says she learned about IES online and became interested when she researched the program.

"I feel more outgoing since I started the program. I was homeschooled and used to hang out with only three or four friends, so I was really shy when I first came here." - Nina Johnston, IES student

"Two months after I graduated high school, my mom saw the application for IES on Facebook and asked if I wanted to apply," Johnston says. "I wanted a college experience, but I didn't want to go to college for four or six years. Two years sounded perfect, so I thought it would be a good idea. After looking into the program, I thought, 'This looks really fun.' "

Program Director Jaime Best says Johnston made a strong first impression even before she arrived at UCF.

"As part of her application, Nina sent a video of herself cleaning, doing her daily routine and even horseback riding," Best says. "We were amazed when we watched that video. When she came here, we saw firsthand how independent and determined she is."

Johnston started IES in August 2024, and it wasn't long before she jumped right into various campus activities. While pursuing a major in hospitality, she joined Knights Exemplar and Best Buddies, two clubs that provide social and academic support to students with intellectual disabilities. In fact, she's now a Buddy director with Best Buddies.

Her growing involvement even led to a part-time job at the information desk in the UCF Student Union. She says these experiences have greatly improved her confidence and social skills.

"But having all these classes and opportunities made me realize, 'OK, I can do this. I can talk to people.' IES helped me come out of my shell." - Nina Johnston, IES student

"I feel more outgoing since I started the program," Johnston says. "I was homeschooled and used to hang out with only three or four friends, so I was really shy when I first came here. But having all these classes and opportunities made me realize, 'OK, I can do this. I can talk to people.' IES helped me come out of my shell."

Best says she has blossomed into an inspiring and beloved member of the IES community.

"Nina is a true leader," Best says. "Many students in the program go to her for advice even before they come to us. They look up to her because she thrives in her academics while holding down a job. She's always looking to pick up extra hours, and she never falls behind on her assignments while she's working. She is a committed and hardworking student."

In her newfound social circle, Johnston made a connection that developed into something deeper over time. Soon after starting in the program, she met fellow student Zackary Bruns. Their friendship grew into a relationship, and they are now engaged to be married in November 2026.

As she plans for her wedding, Johnston has also been working to prepare other logistical aspects of her future. One of these is a major personal and practical achievement: her driver's license, which she earned after practicing with IES's AI-powered driving simulation.

"The driving simulation at IES gave me a good idea of how traffic happens in real time," Johnston says. "And it worked perfectly: I got my license on the first try."

Students with disabilities often lack adequate opportunities to practice driving, so many never earn their licenses - something TJEEI Program Director Christine Parsons says can be a barrier to employment.

"Our driving simulator helps students get more comfortable behind the wheel, and Nina is a great example of that." - Christine Parsons, TJEEI Program Director

"If students can't drive and don't have a car, they can't get to work without public transportation," Parsons says. "That can be a huge issue, especially here in Central Florida. Our driving simulator helps students get more comfortable behind the wheel, and Nina is a great example of that."

Equipped with her license, Johnston and Bruns are now focusing on two main goals: securing full-time employment and finding an apartment. They have decided to move to Ocala, Florida, where they plan to be close to Johnston's parents as they begin the next stage of their lives.

Looking ahead, Johnston says she is excited for her next chapter and grateful for all her experiences at UCF.

"When I was in my first semester of IES, it felt like it took forever," Johnston says. "But now that I'm here, it's like, 'Where did the time go?' I'm sad to leave the program, but I'm happy I did it because I've met so many wonderful people."

More Topics