APD > Special to the Democrat

Tallahassee Democrat -- October 8, 2009

Be sure to look past the disability

Earlier this month, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet heard from Bay County Property Appraiser Dan Sowell in recognition of October being Disability Employment Awareness Month. Sowell, who has cerebral palsy, has worked in the property appraiser's office for more than 20 years, and last fall, he was elected to the top post. The voters looked at his abilities and experience, not physical limitations.

That is the point of Disability Employment Awareness Month: reminding people to look at each other's capabilities, not focusing on things that do not matter in the workplace.

Sowell's remarks to the governor and Cabinet officers reiterated the importance of giving people the opportunity to show what they can contribute. The ability to feel that you are making a difference is important to everyone.

More than 3 million people in Florida have disabilities and, as director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, I learn about fabulous employers every day who see abilities in their employees.

Our agency recently concluded a five-year effort to find employment for individuals we serve. There are now 5,143 more people in the work force.

Private sector employers have also embraced the contributions of people with disabilities to their work force.

Martin Electronics of Taylor County has a decades-long history of hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. Its employees are a reliable and valuable part of the team. Jay Bradshaw has worked as a materials handler at Martin Electronics for more than 12 years and, according to his supervisor, Helen Blue, "He is one of the best employees I have. He works until the last possible minute and works overtime whenever I need him."

Blue's comments about reliability, dedication and drive are echoed by thousands of employers who have the same experience with workers with disabilities. The companies find that their return on investment is tremendous.

And there is more good news. APD and other agencies are working to prepare the next generation of those with disabilities to reach their goals.

This month, our agency, as well as Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Agency for Workforce Innovation are recognizing employers from throughout Florida for making a real difference in the lives of those with disabilities.

Please take the time to look at and appreciate others' abilities. When your company is hiring employees, remember to consider whether they can do the job, not other factors. Your organization will find it will reap the rewards.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.