Class of 2026: Tyler Brown spreads his wings through ACE-IT

By Amelia Heymann

For Tyler Brown, graduation this spring - from Virginia Commonwealth University's ACE-IT in College program - reflects a notable step forward for both independence and creativity.

ACE-IT, VCU's accredited Inclusive Postsecondary Education Program, is a two-year certificate program for students with disabilities offered through the VCU School of Education and its Center on Transition Innovations. Students take VCU classes and participate in campus activities and work experiences that align with career goals and interests.

"Watching Tyler throughout his time at VCU and the ACE-IT In College program is a testament that inclusive college programs like ACE-IT work," said Jan Shea, program coordinator for ACE-IT. "Tyler's interest in computers and content creation went from a hobby to an area of exploration and connections - eventually becoming a career pathway."

Brown's parents helped him find the program, which he saw as the pathway to a college experience, new friends and greater independence. He lived alone during his second year of ACE-IT, traveling to and navigating campus himself while managing his finances, his studies and employment.

"I feel like living on my own is good confidence," Brown said in a recent video with VCU's Center on Transition Innovations, part of the RRTC. "I will let everyone in the world know I'm capable to live by myself."

A graduate of Shenandoah County Public Schools, Brown focused his courses on graphic design, taking classes such as art history and Photoshop training, working to fulfill his ACE-IT Academic and Career Plan. As an extension of his studies, he created thumbnail graphics and a logo for his YouTube channel, which features video of the Roblox multiplayer online game.

Brown, who was inspired to start the channel by following other YouTubers, even traveled by himself to VidCon Anaheim, a convention in California where he met some of his favorite Roblox creators.

"I came back from it and said, 'I'm going to be on [the creator] side one day,'" Brown said.

And in his case, creation went beyond online content. Brown became the first ACE-IT student to start a student organization - Roblox at VCU - which required him to navigate the application process, write a club constitution and recruit members through social media.

"While he was fine-tuning his work skills, he found social connections across campus to help build his network and community," Shea said.

ACE-IT provides students with numerous resources to support their educational and employment goals. The program offered Brown an education coach who helped him take lecture notes, complete in-class assignments and receive academic support outside of class. Additionally, ACE-IT students work at campus jobs each semester, which allows students to explore careers and interests. Exploring Brown's interest in computers at his various campus jobs helped direct him towards his spring semester internship.

During his last semester, Brown interned at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services - a role that Sonya Durham, ACE-IT's career support specialist, helped him find. Brown worked at the agency as a waiver assistant, doing data entry and reviewing spreadsheets. The agency has embraced Brown's efforts and invited him to continue working as a part-time employee. Carrie Ottoson, the community programs manager at DBHDS worked with Brown and said he brought a positive and uplifting presence to the department that strengthened their team dynamic.

"It was impressive to see how quickly he adapted to the Waiver Assistant role and consistently demonstrated a strong attention to detail," Ottoson said. "His contagious energy quickly became the hallmark of his time here at DBHDS."

Shea added that Tyler's work at DBHDS is directly influencing young people who also have a disability which "will ripple in so many ways."

He also worked part time with the Mary Frances Youth Center at the front desk during the 2024-2025 academic year, with duties that included welcoming guests and securing equipment. Misti Mueller, executive director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center, said while Brown was quiet and reserved when he first started, over time the team saw his confidence grow. He became increasingly more engaged with staff, learning everyone's names and initiating many conversations with them.

"Not only did he complete his work with pride, he brought a steady ray of sunshine into the building whenever he was with us," Mueller said. "I truly believe we all became better human beings as a result of getting to know Tyler."

Brown enjoyed the experience so much that it has shaped an early career goal in a familiar place - to work a front desk at VCU.