Call 4 Health receives Florida Exceptional Employer Award for Disability Employment Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
October 1, 2009 Melanie Mowry Etters
Communications Director (850) 488-4257
State of Florida Honors Businesses to kick off Disability Employment Awareness Month
Tallahassee – Before a large audience, eight business were recognized by the state of Florida for being leaders in the employment of people with disabilities. The celebration was held to kick off
Governor Charlie Crist said, “I am proud that state government is a leader in providing job shadowing and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Floridians with disabilities are an important part of our state’ s work force, and I encourage Florida’ s business leaders and employers to learn more about how to better utilize this pool of untapped talent.”
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) honored the businesses from across the state for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the state is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force. The event was held in Tallahassee.
The businesses received 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.
The businesses recognized were:
- Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach
- Call 4 Health of Boca Raton
- Fausto’s Food Palace of Key West
- Hilton at Home Reservations of Tampa
- Jacksonville Aviation Authority
- Stretcher Limo of New Port Richey
- Walgreens Distribution Centers of Florida
- Walmart of Florida
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, “We are pleased to recognize businesses that have made a long-term commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities. These workers are extremely reliable and committed to their jobs. It is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do.”
Representatives from the Florida Business Leadership Network (FBLN) spoke on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and the role their organization plays in supporting those hiring choices. The Able Trust announced a statewide media campaign promoting the hiring of people with disabilities called Look at my Abilities. The organization also announced the beginning of Disability Mentoring Day activities around the state.
The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.APDCares.org. Read the full release
