Building Independence for Individuals
With Disabilities Across Florida
Building Independence for Individuals
With Disabilities Across Florida
Compassionate care and life skills programs that empower
children, teens, and adults to live with dignity and confidence.
Our Affiliations
Building Independence for Individuals
With Disabilities Across Florida
Compassionate care and life skills programs that empower
children, teens, and adults to live with dignity and confidence.
Our Affiliations
Building Independence for Individuals
With Disabilities Across Florida
Compassionate care and life skills programs that empower
children, teens, and adults to live with dignity and confidence.
Our Affiliations
Our Impact
How We Support Our Community
Hover or tap a slice to see each service
1,500+
Individuals gained independence
10+Years
Healthcare and non-profit leadership experiences
ABOUT US
We Create Brighter Futures for Every Ability
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, we provide compassionate disability support services in Miami and across Florida.
Since 2014, we partnered with families to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities gain essential life skills, greater independence, and stronger community connections.
We are more than a service provider — we are a community that walks alongside every unique journey, creating brighter futures for people of all abilities.
Our Impact
How We Support Our Community
Hover or tap a slice to see each service
Individuals gained independence
Years of healthcare & leadership experience
ABOUT US
We Create Brighter Futures for Every Ability
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, we provide compassionate disability support services in Miami and across Florida.
Since 2014, we help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities gain essential life skills, greater independence, and stronger community connections.
We are more than a service provider — we are a community that walks alongside every unique journey, creating brighter futures for people of all abilities.
Our Impact
How We Support Our Community
Hover or tap a slice to see each service
Individuals gained independence
Years of healthcare & leadership experience
ABOUT US
We Create Brighter Futures for Every Ability
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, we provide compassionate disability support services in Miami and across Florida.
Since 2014, we help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities gain essential life skills, greater independence, and stronger community connections.
We are more than a service provider — we are a community that walks alongside every unique journey, creating brighter futures for people of all abilities.
ABOUT US
We Create Brighter Futures for Every Ability
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, we provide compassionate disability support services in Miami and across Florida.
Since 2014, we help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities gain essential life skills, greater independence, and stronger community connections.
We are more than a service provider — we are a community that walks alongside every unique journey, creating brighter futures for people of all abilities.
OUR SERVICES
Empowering Independence through Tailored Support
As a VR-authorized provider, we offer specialized training and employment programs designed to build confidence, gain real-world experience, and foster long-term independence.
Employment Readiness: From job prep to long-term supportive employment.
On-the-Job Training: Hands-on, work-based learning in real environments.
Life Skills & Advocacy: Developing the self-reliance needed for daily success.
Youth Transition: Career camps and services for students (ages 14–21).
Personal Support: Reliable transportation and individualized assistance.
OUR SERVICES
Empowering Independence through Tailored Support
As a VR-authorized provider, we offer specialized training and employment programs designed to build confidence, gain real-world experience, and foster long-term independence.
Employment Readiness: From job prep to long-term supportive employment.
On-the-Job Training: Hands-on, work-based learning in real environments.
Life Skills & Advocacy: Developing the self-reliance needed for daily success.
Youth Transition: Career camps and services for students (ages 14–21).
Personal Support: Reliable transportation and individualized assistance.
Meet the founder
The Vision Behind Better Steps
“Where growth meets guidance — providing supported services across all of Florida.”
As the founder of Better Steps, my mission is to empower individuals with special needs through life skills training, vocational development, and meaningful community engagement.
With over a decade of leadership in healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than 1,500+ individuals gain independence through tailored employment and supportive services.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Leading with Purpose, Passion, and Heart
Hello, I'm Dominiece Cox
As the founder of Better Steps, my mission is to empower individuals with special needs through life skills training, vocational development, and meaningful community engagement.
With over a decade of leadership in healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than 1,500+ individuals gain independence through tailored employment and supportive services.
“Where growth meets guidance — providing supported services across all of Florida.”
EVENTS & COMMUNITY
Join Our Inclusive Community
Join Our Inclusive Community
Unlock new career possibilities this 2026!
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, we believe that growth and happiness come from connection. Our community events, family workshops, and social programs are open to everyone — providing a welcoming space to learn, share, and celebrate every ability.
Each event offers opportunities to build friendships, gain new skills, and access valuable resources for individuals and families. Together, we create a stronger, more inclusive community — one step, one smile, one event at a time.
EVENTS & COMMUNITY
Join Our Events and Be Part of an Inclusive Community
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, we believe that growth and happiness come from connection. Our community events, family workshops, and social programs are open to everyone — providing a welcoming space to learn, share, and celebrate every ability.
Each event offers opportunities to build friendships, gain new skills, and access valuable resources for individuals and families. Together, we create a stronger, more inclusive community — one step, one smile, one event at a time.
Unlock new career possibilities this 2026!
LATEST BLOGS
Our Latest Articles and News
What Is Supported Employment? A Florida Guide for Adults With Developmental Disabilities
Supported Employment in Florida: A Guide for Adults
Many adults with developmental disabilities want a real job, with a real paycheck, in their own community. Supported employment is one of the main ways to get there. In Florida, supported employment gives a person ongoing, hands-on help to find a job, learn it, and keep it. This guide explains what supported employment is, what a job coach does, and how families in Miami-Dade and across Florida can learn more.
The need is real. In 2025, the unemployment rate for people with a disability was 8.3%, about double the 4.1% rate for people without a disability, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the right support, many more people with disabilities can work.
Table of Contents
Who is supported employment for?
Why employers benefit from supported employment
Frequently asked questions about supported employment in Florida
What is supported employment?
Supported employment helps a person with a significant disability find and keep competitive work in an integrated setting. That means a regular job in the community, alongside coworkers with and without disabilities, at regular pay.
According to Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), supported employment includes:
Matching the person with a job that fits their skills and interests
Job coaching and skills training
Regular check-ins to make sure the job is going well
Support is most intensive at the start. As the person settles into the job, the support gradually steps back. APD's stated goal is for each person it serves to gain community work that pays minimum wage or higher, in a job of their choosing.
Who is supported employment for?
Supported employment is for people with disabilities who need ongoing support to succeed at work, including many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. APD describes it as being for people for whom competitive employment has not traditionally happened.
APD's position is that everyone is employable, regardless of disability. The question is not whether a person can work, but what support they need to do it well.
To learn whether a family member may qualify for APD services, visit APD's Applying for Services page or contact your local APD regional office.
What does a job coach do?
A job coach is the person who makes supported employment work day to day. According to APD, a job coach may:
Build an employment plan with the person at a first meeting
Help with a resume and job applications
Practice interviews, including mock interviews with local employers
Find job openings through business contacts
Help coordinate transportation when needed
Connect the person with a benefits counselor to plan how work affects benefits like SSI or SSDI
Once a job starts, the coach helps the person learn the tasks and gradually steps back as they gain confidence. To see how that works on the job, read our post on how job coaching builds true independence.
What the job seeker brings
Supported employment is a partnership. APD asks job seekers to:
Attend appointments with the job coach and employers on time
Take an active part in job search activities
Be open about the kind of work they want and their transportation needs
Practice interviewing and apply for jobs on their own, too
For interview tips, including how and when to talk about a disability, see our job interview and disability disclosure guide.
Why employers benefit from supported employment
Supported employment helps businesses too. Employers get a candidate who has been matched to the role, plus a job coach who helps with training at the start. Coworkers learn how to offer everyday support, which builds a more inclusive workplace.
Frequently asked questions about supported employment in Florida
What is the difference between supported employment and a regular job program? Supported employment keeps going after the person is hired. The job coach helps them learn the job and stays involved, stepping back as they become more independent.
Can adults with intellectual disabilities work in regular community jobs? Yes. Supported employment is built for competitive work in integrated community settings, at regular pay.
Can a job coach help with getting to work? Yes. According to APD, a job coach can help coordinate transportation when it's needed.
Will working affect SSI or SSDI benefits? It can. That's why job coaches connect people with a benefits counselor before and during work.
Building careers with Better Steps
At Better Steps, we believe every person with a disability deserves the chance to build a life with dignity and independence, and meaningful work is a big part of that.
We share guides like this one so families and job seekers can understand their options and plan with confidence.
Take the next step
To learn more about Better Steps and our programs, visit betterstepslife. org or contact our team.
Sources
Employment: Invest in Your Future, APD flyer (May 2017): definition, ongoing supports, integrated competitive work, "everyone is employable"
What to Expect From Your Job Coach, APD: job coach duties, job seeker expectations, minimum-wage goal
Unemployment rate for people with a disability rose to 8.3 percent in 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 5, 2026
The two APD flyers date from 2017, so a quick check with APD before posting would confirm nothing has changed.
Our Vision
A world where physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges don't limit our human potential in areas of self-reliance, growth, and influence.
Our Mission
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, our mission is to help and empower members of our community who experience physical, developmental, and intellectual challenges to enhance essential life skills and live more independently.
Licensure and Trainings
● HIPAA
● CPR
● Home Health Aide
● Home-making and Companion License
Our Vision
A world where physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges don't limit our human potential in areas of self-reliance, growth, and influence.
Our Mission
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, our mission is to help and empower members of our community who experience physical, developmental, and intellectual challenges to enhance essential life skills and live more independently.
Licensure and Trainings
● HIPAA
● CPR
● Home Health Aide
● Home-making and Companion License
Our Vision
A world where physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges don't limit our human potential in areas of self-reliance, growth, and influence.
Our Mission
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, our mission is to help and empower members of our community who experience physical, developmental, and intellectual challenges to enhance essential life skills and live more independently.
Licensure and Trainings
● HIPAA
● CPR
● Home Health Aide
● Home-making and Companion License
TESTIMONIALS
How We’ve Helped People Like You
"This camp truly helped me grow.I joined Season 4 of Better Steps Life Skills Camp, and it became such a meaningful experience for me. I learned practical lessons like budgeting and saving, but the most important thing I discovered was how to communicate with others. Before the camp, I didn’t like to talk at all — I was very shy and often kept to myself. Through the activities and encouragement from the staff and my peers, I slowly found my voice. Now I feel more confident in speaking up and sharing my thoughts. This camp truly helped me grow, and I would love to join again in the upcoming Career Camp with Better Steps Life Skills."
"It helped me take the first steps toward my future. At camp, I learned the importance of connecting with people. I had the chance to interact with new friends, build relationships, and work as part of a team. Before, I often felt nervous about making friends, but the camp showed me how much easier it can be when you share activities and goals together. I also began to understand what type of career I might want to pursue. This program gave me confidence and helped me take the first steps toward my future."
"I'm very thankful for everything. I have been part of the Life Skills Camp from Season 1 through Season 4, and every year has given me something new and valuable. I learned how to start a business and what it really takes to be an entrepreneur. I gained important business skills that I know I will use in the future. One of the biggest lessons I took away was about self-advocacy. Speaking up for myself was never easy, but the camp gave me the tools and confidence to do it. The most powerful thing I learned was discovering the career path I want to follow. That knowledge gave me direction and hope for my future. I am truly thankful for everything Better Steps has given me, and I would love to continue joining more camps."
Our Vision
A world where physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges don't limit our human potential in areas of self-reliance, growth, and influence.
Our Mission
At Better Steps Life Skills Center, our mission is to help and empower members of our community who experience physical, developmental, and intellectual challenges to enhance essential life skills and live more independently.
Licensure and Trainings
● HIPAA
● CPR
● Home Health Aide
● Home-making and Companion License
GET IN TOUCH
We love to connect with you!
What is Better Steps Life Skills Center?
Better Steps Life Skills Center, Inc. is a Florida-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing life skills training, personal support services, and community-based programs that promote independence, confidence, and long-term success.
Who do you support at Better Steps Life Skills Center?
We support youth, and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Our services are designed to meet individuals where they are and help them grow at their own pace toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.
What services does Better Steps Life Skills Center offer?
Better Steps Life Skills Center Inc. offers a wide range of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)–authorized training and support services. Our programs are designed to help participants build confidence, gain real-world experience, and move toward greater independence.
Do you offer programs for students and young adults?
Yes. We offer structured programs such as career readiness training and summer career camps designed for students with IEPs or 504 Plans. These programs focus on workplace skills, self-advocacy, communication, and real-world experience.
What is life skills training and why is it important?
Life skills training helps individuals develop practical abilities needed for everyday life, such as communication, decision-making, time management, self-care, and social skills. These skills are essential for independent living, employment success, and community participation.
How do I get started with Better Steps Life Skills Center services?
Getting started is simple. You can contact our team through our website or by phone to discuss your needs. We’ll guide you through available services, eligibility, and next steps to ensure the right support plan is in place.
Where are your services available?
Better Steps Life Skills Center is based in Florida, with services available in Miami and surrounding areas. We also work with families, schools, and community partners across the state to expand access to meaningful support.
latest insights & resources
Essential Skills for
Young Adults
Practical guidance, step-by-step tools, and real-world strategies to help young adults transition smoothly into confident, self-sufficient independence.
15 Essential Independent Living Skills for Teens & Young Adults
From foundational personal budgeting and healthy meal planning to self-advocacy and essential problem solving, explore the core milestones needed to master independent living.
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Get seasonal camp updates, career resources, and youth empowerment insights straight to your inbox.
Copyright 2026. Better Steps Life Skills Center. All Rights Reserved.
Stay Updated with Better Steps!
Get seasonal camp updates, career resources, and youth empowerment insights straight to your inbox.
COMPANY
CUSTOMER CARE
LEGAL
Copyright 2026. Better Steps Life Skills Center. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2026. Better Steps Life Skills Center. All Rights Reserved.
COMPANY
LEGAL
CUSTOMER CARE
Copyright 2026. Better Steps Life Skills Center. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2026. Better Steps Life Skills Center. All Rights Reserved.
GET IN TOUCH
We love to connect with you!
What is Better Steps Life Skills Center?
Better Steps Life Skills Center, Inc. is a Florida-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing life skills training, personal support services, and community-based programs that promote independence, confidence, and long-term success.
Who do you support at Better Steps Life Skills Center?
We support youth, and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Our services are designed to meet individuals where they are and help them grow at their own pace toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.
What services does Better Steps Life Skills Center offer?
Better Steps Life Skills Center Inc. offers a wide range of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)–authorized training and support services. Our programs are designed to help participants build confidence, gain real-world experience, and move toward greater independence.
Do you offer programs for students and young adults?
Yes. We offer structured programs such as career readiness training and summer career camps designed for students with IEPs or 504 Plans. These programs focus on workplace skills, self-advocacy, communication, and real-world experience.
What is life skills training and why is it important?
Life skills training helps individuals develop practical abilities needed for everyday life, such as communication, decision-making, time management, self-care, and social skills. These skills are essential for independent living, employment success, and community participation.
How do I get started with Better Steps Life Skills Center services?
Getting started is simple. You can contact our team through our website or by phone to discuss your needs. We’ll guide you through available services, eligibility, and next steps to ensure the right support plan is in place.
Where are your services available?
Better Steps Life Skills Center is based in Florida, with services available in Miami and surrounding areas. We also work with families, schools, and community partners across the state to expand access to meaningful support.
COMPANY
CUSTOMER CARE
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Copyright 2026. Better Steps Life Skills Center. All Rights Reserved.