Dr. Brianna Joseph

Dr. Brianna Joseph is a faculty member in the FAU College of Education’s Academy for Community Inclusion, a postsecondary education program designed to serve college students at FAU with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to joining the faculty at FAU, she taught students with moderate to severe disabilities in the Broward School system. Dr. Joseph earned her doctorate, masters, and bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) at FAU’s College of Education.

"I am an instructor for the Academy for Community Inclusion (ACI). I teach courses that will educate and provide many opportunities of demonstrating, maintaining, and generalizing skills on campus and in the community for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said Dr. Joseph, whose research agenda includes employment retention, community access, health and fitness, and other quality of life outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. "I assist with networking and providing opportunities for students to intern on and off the Boca campus. I also assist with increasing the awareness and inclusivity of ACI students on the Boca campus."

Prior to returning to FAU to earn her master’s, doctorate and to accept a faculty position, Dr. Joseph was a special education self-contained Autism and Emotional Behaviors teacher for four years in the Broward School system. "I then transitioned into a Behavior Specialist role part-time for two years. I have and still consult, develop, and implement workshops with primary and secondary Broward County schools on inclusive education, racial disproportionality, and implementation of cultural responsiveness evidence-based practices in special and general education classrooms."

Joseph, who was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and took classes at the Davie campus, said completing her degrees at FAU allowed her to stay close to home as she is a caregiver for her older brother who is cognitive and physical disabled and her mom who is physically disabled. "I was also able to give back to the Broward County School District by providing my expertise and support in special education. I had access to multiple FAU campuses and some online courses which made attending classes and working while taking care of my family accessible." Dr. Joseph said.

Dr. Joseph said during her free time she assists various high school marching band and color guard organizations in Broward County.