Message from the Director
Focus on Employment
By Michael Hansen
My first October as the director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities has been inspiring and busy as our agency focused on employment opportunities for our customers. On October 4, I spoke at a state Cabinet meeting with the support of leaders from our disability partner agencies. Attorney General Pam Bondi sponsored a resolution declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida. APD customer Danny Root shared his employment story from his five years of working at Target in Tallahassee. Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet unanimously approved the resolution.
Later in the month, I served as a mentor for Jeffrey Hill as part of Disability Mentoring Day (More stories on DMD in this issue). Jeffrey is a student in the Lively Transition program in Leon County. He came with me to the Capitol where he received a private tour of the Governor's Office. I also showed him the House chambers where the House of Representatives meets. Jeffrey also watched me be interviewed by the Florida Channel's Beth Switzer for her show "Florida Face to Face." I appreciated the opportunity to get to know Jeffrey, and know that he will do well in his future plans to own and run a day care business.
APD and its partner agencies ended the month with a big bang. The state honored nine businesses that hire and retain people with disabilities as part of their workforce. This was my first opportunity to be a part of this annual event, and I was moved by the remarks from both employers and individuals with disabilities on what both gain from their employment arrangement. APD customer Daniel Jordan wowed the audience with his remarks about his job at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee. Representative Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee, congratulated him after he completed his speech.
I know that providing employment opportunities to the people we serve truly makes a difference. I am committed to continuing to strongly support this effort in the future.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Cabinet Recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month
On October 4, Attorney General Pam Bondi introduced a Cabinet resolution declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida.
An employee of a Tallahassee Target Store, Danny Root, addressed the Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet about the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce. Root, who has autism, has worked at Target for more than five years.
Along with Root, leaders from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, Veterans' Affairs, and the Able Trust accepted the resolution.
State Honors Nine Disability-Friendly Companies
The state of Florida recognized nine businesses on October 27 in Tallahassee for being exceptional employers of people with disabilities. The large event was held at Tallahassee City Hall to celebrate October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
APD Director Mike Hansen, Deputy Director of Blind Services Ellen McCarron, and Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Bill Palmer presented the awards that honored businesses for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities.
The award-winning businesses are Citrus Memorial Health System of Inverness, the Florida Department of Revenue, Five Guys Burgers and Fries of Central Florida, Great Explorations Children's Museum of St. Petersburg, Hyatt Hotels of Florida, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Marriott Global Reservations and Customer Care Center, My Best Friend's Kitchen of Panama City, and Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola.
Governor Rick Scott said, "I am proud to see that a state agency was recognized as a leader in providing employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. As we work to bring more jobs to Florida, we need to make sure individuals with disabilities are a part of the workforce. I encourage Florida's businesses to learn more about how to utilize this pool of talent to help them get to work."
APD Director Hansen said, "I am thrilled to be able to recognize Florida companies who give all people a chance at employment. Businesses report that individuals with disabilities provide a great return on their investment. In general, these employees rarely miss work, are extremely loyal to their employers, and are conscientious in performing their duties."
Tallahassee Assistant City Manager Tom Coe welcomed people to the event and spoke about the city's diverse workforce. The newly appointed executive director of the Governor's Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities, David Darm, shared his thoughts on increasing employment opportunities in our state. Also, chief operating officer for the new Department of Economic Opportunity, Cynthia Lorenzo, discussed the agency's work to help individuals with disabilities find work.
Disabled veteran Mark McDuffie spoke about his experiences recovering from a bomb blast in Iraq, and the difference employment makes in his life. Another speaker was Danny Jordan, who has Down syndrome. He spoke about what his job at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee means to him.
Here is more information on the winners:
Citrus Memorial Health System of Inverness has supported the employment of people with disabilities for more than a decade. The hospital currently employs five people with disabilities. These individuals have proven that they can work independently. Most of these individuals work to keep the facility clean and welcoming for the public.
The Florida Department of Revenue has gone above and beyond in making sure employees with disabilities are welcomed and accommodated. This past year, the agency approved and made 48 accommodation requests. Additionally, the agency has partnered with Blind Services for an on-the-job training program in which 16 individuals benefited. Participants with visual disabilities convert paper documents into electronic documents for the department.
The Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchise of Central Florida has 16 stores and the management welcomes individuals with disabilities as part of its workforce on a regular basis. 35 out of 400 employees have disabilities. In addition, the restaurants strongly participate in Disability Mentoring Day each year, and have hosted 100 mentees for DMD.
Great Explorations Children's Museum of St. Petersburg currently has 11 employees with disabilities of the 40 individuals on its payroll—that means about 28 percent have disabilities, many with significant challenges. This employer has developed unique job opportunities to capitalize on each employee's talents, and has also made accommodations where needed.
Hyatt Hotels of Florida have a rich history of embracing people with disabilities. Over the past 14 years, they have allowed 1,200 individuals with disabilities to train in their hotels. They are a longtime partner with the culinary training program called Hands On Educational Services. In addition, Hyatt has hired more than 120 people with disabilities.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel currently employs 14 people with disabilities, which is about 2 percent of its workforce. Management actively recruits those with disabilities when a position is open. Once hired, the hotel makes sure the individuals have the training and support needed to succeed.
Marriott Global Reservations and Customer Care Center of South Florida has hired 17 employees with disabilities, including 14 with visual disabilities. Marriott lengthened its training course to ensure those with disabilities received adequate training. Accommodations were made, like adding Braille to the snack machines and microwaves, and creating an area for motorized scooters and wheelchairs. Also, some employees are allowed to work from home.
My Best Friend's Kitchen of Panama City has employed four people with disabilities since the restaurant opened its doors in 2007. Many have participated in on-the-job training. Owner Kathie Riley is an active participant in Disability Mentoring Day each October. Riley also works with a local adult day training program and pays individuals to roll silverware for her restaurant. She also holds fundraisers to support employment programs for individuals with disabilities.
Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola began an effort 10 years ago to employ individuals with disabilities and has more than 25 who are working in all aspects of patient care. Employees with autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other disabilities are in the hospital's workforce. Sacred Heart Hospital employees mentor local students with disabilities. Sacred Heart also sponsors an Autism Camp for students during the summer, and is partnering with the Escambia and Santa Rosa school districts' on-the-job-training programs to help students with disabilities develop job skills.
Disability Mentoring Day in Florida
Disability Mentoring Day at HQ
Agency for Persons with Disabilities employees throughout Florida coordinated and participated in Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) in October. DMD is an opportunity for students and job seekers with disabilities to participate in a one-on-one job shadowing experience. This is the 11th anniversary of DMD in Florida.
APD Director Michael Hansen mentored a student as part of DMD on October 26. Two students participated in DMD at APD's headquarters in Tallahassee. Hansen was matched with Jeffrey Hill, a student in the Lively Transition Program. Another student, Zach Goebel, was paired with APD Graphic Designer Kimberly Tharpe on October 24. Goebel is a student at Lincoln High School.
Hansen said, "DMD is a great opportunity for young people trying to decide on their future career path. By job shadowing someone in the career they are interested in, it may convince them that it is the right field for them to pursue or they may decide to go in a different direction."
DMD is usually held on the third Wednesday of October; however, in Leon County many people celebrated it on various days during the month to best fit their schedules.
Tallahassee DMD
The Area 2 Office of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities hosted six job seekers on October 21 as part of Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). APD employees in Tallahassee coordinated activities for the DMD participants.
The APD Tallahassee office hosted the individuals with disabilities. In addition to job shadowing that occurred in the morning, the mentees toured ITT Technical Institute to learn about additional educational opportunities.
The job shadowing occurred at the following Tallahassee locations: Esposito's Garden Center, Ablaze Hair Studio, Tallahassee Memorial Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Area Agency on Aging, Envision Credit Union, and the Community Intervention Center.
Work Force Plus conducted workshops following the ITT tour and presentation. The workshops were on resume' building and interviewing techniques.
Hillsborough County Hosts Disability Mentoring Day
Hillsborough County hosted its annual Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) on October 27. APD's Suncoast Area office was honored to serve as mentors to Takeisha, Jasmine, and Brenda on this very important day. These mentees were given an overview of APD and the services and supports the agency provides to its customers. They also were given a tour of the office and an opportunity to speak with employees in various units.
"Disability Mentoring Day is a wonderful event and an excellent opportunity for mentors and mentees alike," said Glorie Singleton of the Suncoast Area office.
APD was recognized for its continued support of DMD at a kick-off breakfast on October 13.
Disability Mentoring Day is observed around the country and internationally every year. Last year, more than 16,000 students and job seekers participated in DMD in every state and 20 international locations. The national campaign began in 1999 as part of a White House effort to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrated every October.
Ability Explosion Blastoff Ignited by DMD Kickoff
By Michael CardelloOn October 19, two forces joined together in Miami Beach to highlight the potential and contributions of persons with disabilities. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities took a major role in Miami's Ability Explosion.
Ability Explosion is a weeklong series of special events held in historic Miami Beach and created for the enjoyment of the community. Its mission is to celebrate the abilities of people living with disabilities, to encourage their acceptance by the community at large, and to promote innovations that will improve their lives.
Events included a Blast-Off Pre-Party and Media Event, Ability Explosion Blast-Off, Resource and Technology Expo, Lights Out Miami, Biz-Ability Luncheon, Comedy Explosion, Wheelchair Basketball, 5K Run, Fashion Show, and Aquability Explosion.
Prestigious sponsors included American Airlines, Best Buy, City of Miami Beach, Coldwell Banker, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Dolphins, Project Search, Regal Entertainment Group, and Whole Food Markets.
At the invitation of David New, president and founder of Ability Explosion, the APD Area 11 Office took a lead role in the opening ceremonies on October 19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This highlighted APD's services and kicked off Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
Charles Perez, a local newscaster, emceed the opening presentations. Evelyn Alvarez, APD Area 11 administrator, introduced more than 75 participants to APD's services. She also presented the background and positive outcomes of DMD, citing all participating DMD mentors in 2011 from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Alvarez announced to the delight and cheers of the audience that five mentees from last year's DMD were about to be awarded paid internships by Baptist Health South Florida. She also cited Demetria Spencer, APD case manager, and Tina Porter, employment coach from Monroe Association of Remarkable Citizens, for their continued dedication and contributions to the success of DMD in Area 11.
Following opening ceremonies, APD joined approximately 75 other exhibitors in the Resource and Technology Expo at the Convention Center.
This was the Ability Explosion's third annual weeklong event and APD's first opportunity to partner in this major event. Hopes are very high for continuing this partnership in order to showcase and highlight the extraordinary abilities of persons with disabilities to the community.
Around the State
Area 3 Volunteers
The volunteer work of APD's Area 3 office in Gainesville was recognized recently by the Sustainability Program Manager of Alachua County. Sean McLendon wrote a letter about the accomplishments of the Downtown Farmers Garden located in Gainesville at South Main Street and East University Avenue.
The letter stated, "With the help of our many community partners, we are proud to note that over 200 volunteer hours were logged this year along with a host of successful community events, international aid assistance, and $1000 worth of produce donated to charitable groups. This work was accomplished with numerous volunteer days, special education events, and ten community partner organizations including: Florida Organic Growers, Alachua County YouthBuild, Slow Food Gainesville, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, AmeriCorps, University of Florida's First Year Florida, Alachua County Extension Service, Grow Gainesville, University of Florida, and Gainesville Compost."
Way to go, Area 3!
The Tampa Clothing Closet Is Coming Soon
APD's Suncoast Area office is working hard on the grand opening of its clothing closet. The clothing closet will consists of gently used business attire for men and women. APD customers seeking employment will have an opportunity to receive an outfit or two for their upcoming job interview free of charge! The Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa, Inc. and the local Family Care Council are partnering with APD in this endeavor.
The CDC of Tampa has generously provided several suits, blazers, dress pants, shirt, and ties. The FCC has kindly donated several clothing racks, a mirror, and a privacy screen. And APD employees have graciously contributed more than half of the clothing currently in the clothing closet.
Thanks to the assistance of the Suncoast Area's partners, the grand opening of the clothing closet will be happening soon. For additional information on the clothing closet, please contact Glorie Singleton at glorie_singleton@apd.state.fl.us.
Visit www.fccflorida.org for more information on the Family Care Council, and www.cdcoftampa.org to find out more about CDC of Tampa.
Area 1 Employees Recognized
The Area 1 Disabilities Summit Council held its 7th Annual National Disability Awareness Month Luncheon on October 4. State Sen. Stephen Wise (R-Jacksonville), chairman of the Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12 Policy, and APD Area 1 Administrator Walt Wooten presented awards to APD employees Gisela Fisher, Kim Chisolm, and Katrina Washington for their outstanding support, advocacy, service, and mentorship to individuals on the APD waiting list. Patricia Williams and Shirley Horton were presented their awards at the APD provider meeting on October 20. It was a great opportunity to say "Thank you" to the individuals and business partners that truly make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Good Work at Goodwill
By Kirk RyonOn October 4, representatives from the Miami-Dade Area 11 APD office were given a tour of Goodwill Industries in Miami. Goodwill in Miami proudly serves the U.S. armed forces with two contracts, one for combat uniforms used in Afghanistan and a second contract for American flags. Goodwill in Miami produces approximately 7,000 uniforms every day for the armed services. Their high-quality manufacturing is accomplished with skilled individuals, many of whom are also customers of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. These customers are earning a competitive wage while working on these very important contracts.
Eye for Details
By Melanie Mowry EttersPrecise is a good way to describe Nesha Rogers. Rogers has been working as an office assistant for two years at Whittaker Cooper Financial Group in Melbourne. The 21-year-old builds databases and spreadsheets to help the agency with marketing and other tasks.
Rogers' supervisor Annette Burgess says, "There are no errors in our filing, which was a huge service to our company. She has a knack for that. Some days Nesha handles very important tasks, other days it is more routine business. She sticks it out. She is quite a little trooper."
Rogers has a disability and is a customer of Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
Working at a financial planning company is exciting and complex. Rogers says, "I like working here. They give me difficult challenges. I really do want to be challenged, that's why I like it here. I like my co-workers. They help me out when I need it."
This position is Rogers' first paid job. After high school, she participated in a Project Search in Brevard County, where she learned office skills and what to expect when entering the working world.
Arc of Florida Recognizes APD Customer at Convention
By John Finch"Celebrating Everyday Superheroes" was the theme of the 58th Annual Arc of Florida Convention held in West Palm Beach in October.
The Superheroes included individuals with developmental and other disabilities, along with those who provide supports and services to them.
Many of the presenters at The Arc of Florida conventions are individuals with disabilities. Executive Director of The Arc of Florida Deborah Linton stated that The Arc wants individuals telling their own stories as opposed to so-called experts talking about what people with disabilities want and need. To that end, the convention featured keynote speaker Loretta Clairborne, a world-class runner and role model for everyone. Loretta featured a session on "Bullying: A Lifetime of Hurt" in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month. In addition, self advocates from Chautauqua Learn and Serve School in Panama City, members from People First of South Florida, and Janet Severt from New Horizons Service Dogs hosted sessions aimed at promoting more self-advocacy efforts in the state.
A packed awards luncheon honored various individuals and agencies that have made a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc of The St. Johns was named Arc Chapter of the Year.
Clyde Trammel won the Delores and Skeet Norley Self Advocacy Award. Trammel is a young man who has not let his spina bifida define him, nor let the restrictions of his wheelchair limit his community involvement. He had previously received awards from The Arc of The Glades in 2009 and 2010. Earlier this year, he had a job doing data entry, a skill he acquired by using the services of Workforce Development, but lost the job in the recent economic slowdown. However, when McDonald's had their nationwide employment blitz a few months ago, Trammel applied for a position at the take-out window. He got the job and had to wait to start while McDonald's made physical accommodations for him.
In his acceptance speech for the award, Clyde Trammel simply stated, "I love my job!"
Director Appointed to Commission on Jobs
On October 31, Governor Rick Scott announced 13 appointments to the Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities, including APD Director Mike Hansen. All the appointees are listed below. Their terms began on October 31, 2011, and they serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Michael "Mike" Hansen, of Tallahassee, is the director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Jack D. Felts, of St. Johns, is a district manager for Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
Susanne F. Homant, of Tallahassee, is the president and CEO of The Able Trust.
Suzanne S. Hutcheson, of Palm City, is the president and CEO of Helping People Succeed, Inc.
Jordan T. Knab, of Madeira Beach, is the principal investigator and director of Project 10 Sting Ray at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg.
Scot M. LaFerte', of Windermere, is the vice president of human resources for Universal Orlando.
James "Jim" Landsberg, of Tallahassee, is the equal opportunity officer at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Robert M. Lynn, of Perry, is a volunteer advocate for persons with disabilities.
Christopher "Mark" McDuffie, of Freeport, is a retired United States Air Force staff sergeant, small business owner, and founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Wounded Warrior Fishing.
Aleisa C. McKinlay, of Tallahassee, is the incoming director of the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Julio F. Suarez, of Orlando, is the director of diversity outreach for Darden Restaurants.
Marvin A. Tanck, of Jupiter, is the president and CEO of Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Inc.
Dr. Steven R. Wallace, of Jacksonville, is the president of Florida State College in Jacksonville.
Governor Appoints Vaughan to Transportation Disadvantaged
Governor Rick Scott announced in October the appointment of Bryan F. Vaughan to the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
Vaughan is the superintendent of APD's Sunland Center in Marianna. He is appointed for a term beginning October 5, 2011, and ending August 13, 2013.
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