Florida will recognize seven companies from
around the state tomorrow, October 1, in Tallahassee, for
demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the employment of people
with disabilities. The celebration at Tallahassee City Commission
Chambers, 300 South Adams Street, will also kick off October’s
Disability Employment Awareness Month. The public is invited to view
informational displays beginning at 8:30 a.m. The employer awards
program will start at 9:30 a.m.
The winners are companies from Miami, Jacksonville, Clearwater,
Panama City, Ocala, Tallahassee, and a national company with multiple
Florida locations. Those local stores are in Pensacola, Melbourne,
Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Walton Beach, and Milton.
Governor Charlie Crist said, "State agencies proudly lead the
way as employers of Floridians with disabilities, offering
opportunities for success, independence and respect. Persons with
disabilities have expertise and talent that often goes unused and
untapped, and all of Florida businesses and employers will do well in
expanding opportunities for this important group of Floridians.”
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services,
and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) are hosting the recognition event.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the state is
highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the work
force.
The businesses will receive the Florida Exceptional Employer
Award. The Florida Exceptional Employer Award recognizes both the
commitment of these businesses to hiring and retaining people with
disabilities and also their initiative in creating unique employment
opportunities.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, "Return on investment is what
businesses are focused on, and investing in people with disabilities
is one of the best investments they can make. Employers repeatedly
tell me that individuals with disabilities are among the most reliable
workers they have in their work force. So taking the step to hire
someone with a disability is a smart investment of a company’s
resources.”