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The Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society. As practitioners, researchers, and teachers, we form partnerships with individuals, families, and service agencies. Together we advocate for personal choice, self-determination, and social and economic justice.
We are dedicated to advancing the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Our work encompasses research, program evaluation, training, consultation, education, policy analysis, and service delivery across four main areas of emphasis: Employment, Education, Community Life, and Health Care.
We have three national hubs: ExploreVR and ThinkWork, which focus on inclusive employment, and ThinkCollege, which focuses on inclusive higher education.
Projects
Our projects involve conducting state and national employment research, increasing access to higher education, supporting children with disabilities to plan for a fulfilling future, and much more.
Services
From expert consultation and technical assistance to online training for employment professionals, our services help agency leaders and disability staff to excel and thrive in their work.
Publications
Online Learning

Leslie Quarles

Training Associate II

BS, Mass Communications, Southeast Missouri State University; Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, University of Missouri – St. Louis; Graduate Certificate, MiniMBA, Miami University

Leslie is a Training Associate on the Missouri Employment First team. She provides training and technical assistance to service providers in Missouri to improve employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leslie’s previous experience includes employment services and quality assurance, as a Director for MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries and as a Program Surveyor for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International. Additionally, Leslie has served on the board of Best Buddies Missouri and the Generation Listen Council with St. Louis Public Radio. Leslie has volunteered with several organizations and actively participates in Gateway Nexus, a networking platform for providers and employers.

Email: Leslie.Quarles@umb.edu