Florida’s Cause for Celebration

Oct 1 • 7 Views • View Comments

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PRESS OFFICE
(850) 245-0413

FLORIDA’S CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
– Honoring the people who make Disability Employment Awareness Month possible –

Tallahassee, Fla., October 1, 2012 – Today marks the beginning of a month that celebrates and recognizes Florida’s efforts to help people with disabilities find work. Disability Employment Awareness Month launches with a Get Worked Up! theme to acknowledge and inspire 5.7 million Floridians with disabilities and the employers who hire them.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month highlights the value of hiring people with disabilities,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “It inspires us to learn more about what each person can add to the workplace. Celebrating differences and diversity makes Florida stronger.”

The month-long observance focuses on hiring people with disabilities and acknowledging their contributions to an innovative, diverse workplace. Thousands of Floridians with disabilities found jobs last year thanks to the combined efforts of the Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation along with other state agencies.

On October 18, 2012, there will be a ceremony in Tallahassee to recognize area employers that hire people with disabilities. Other events will take place throughout the month.

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About the Florida Department of Education: The department’s mission is to increase the proficiency of all students within one seamless, efficient education system by providing them the chance to expand their knowledge and skills through world-class learning opportunities. Serving more than 3.5 million students, 4,200 public schools, 28 colleges, 188,000 teachers, 47,000 college professors and administrators, and 318,000 full-time staff throughout the state, the department enhances the economic self-sufficiency of Floridians through programs and services geared toward college, workforce education, job-specific skills, and career development. Florida ranks first in the nation for teacher quality, first in the nation in advanced placement participation, and first in the southern region for graduation rate and degrees awarded by the Florida College System. For more information, visit www.fldoe.org.