In celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Director Allison Flanagan recognized seven outstanding Tampa Bay Area companies for their commitment to hiring Floridians with disabilities.
“Individuals with disabilities contribute greatly to our communities and are integral to our state’s workforce,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, we are proud to connect jobseekers with disabilities to career opportunities that enable them to lead more independent lives. I hope more businesses will follow in the footsteps of today’s honorees.”
The following businesses were honored:
- AMC 20 Movie Theatre
- BayCare Health System
- Culver’s of Zephyrhills
- The Hamptons at Clearwater
- K & K Glass
- NASCO Aerospace and Electronics
- Wawa
“We are honored to recognize these employers who are leading the way in building an inclusive workforce and looking beyond the disability,” said Director Flanagan. “Individuals with disabilities offer a broad pool of talents and tend to stay on the job longer than employees without disabilities. Given the opportunity, individuals with disabilities are able to show their skills, loyalty, and determination and become successful members of the community. Thanks to outstanding employers throughout the state, VR assisted nearly 5,000 individuals obtain or maintain employment last year. Hiring people with disabilities is a win-win for everyone!”
“At BayCare we pride ourselves in hiring the happiest and most engaged team members in healthcare,” said Angel S. Brown, Director of Talent Acquisition & Employee Heath, BayCare Health System. “Our team members are our greatest asset and the diversity of our workforce allows us to connect to the community in which we serve. Our partnership with Placementworks has connected us with talented individuals who have become part of our BayCare family. At BayCare, we do not see disability as a barrier, we see the ability in each individual and how they can best contribute to our mission and vision of serving our community. When partnering with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, our relationship was built on acknowledging each unique strength and characteristic of the clients they were helping place and aligning them with suitable positions that aligned well with their skills and talents. Kaitlyn, who we will be recognizing, comes to work with a smile and positive attitude each and every day, and we could not be more happy to have her on our winning team.”
VR is a federal-state program that is committed to helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful careers and helping employers find qualified employees. As a partner in Florida’s statewide workforce system, VR focuses on helping youth, students and adults get the skills, education and supports needed to compete in today’s labor market. VR has 96 offices across Florida, and last year helped nearly 5,000 Floridians with significant disabilities find or keep a job.
For more information about VR and its services, visit rehabworks.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.
