Director’s Column

Abilities Do Work


By Director Barbara Palmer

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month when the nation focuses on employment opportunities for people with disabilities. On October 4, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet will consider a resolution officially declaring this month as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida.

A top priority for the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is helping people with developmental disabilities find employment. Many other state agencies and partners are actively supporting the mission of employing people with disabilities.

The state of Florida supports businesses committed to hiring individuals with disabilities. Make plans to attend Florida’s Exceptional Employer Awards event on October 5 at Tallahassee City Hall, 300 South Adams Street, to recognize 10 companies from around the state who employ people with disabilities.  The 11th Annual Awards event begins at 8:30 a.m. I hope you will make a point to be there to celebrate and learn more about hiring capable individuals.

An employer to be recognized on Oct. 5 is The Pickle Baron of Key West. The owners, Dustan Carpenter and John Nutting, work with Monroe ARC (MARC) to teach people with disabilities how to work in a professional kitchen. Two employees, Tony Maynard and Ben Neff, have found success at the Pickle Baron. Carpenter said, “We love having Ben and Tony as employees. They adapt quickly, they are hard workers, they can face challenges and solve those problems on their own. They are funny and kind and excited to be a part of Pickle Baron. We truly appreciate the pride and hard work.”

The two men are involved in every aspect of the business. They help select the produce, prepare the product, and label and price the jars offered for sale.

Neff said, “I want to work to make money and feel independent. By working I can afford to pay my bills and buy my girlfriend nice things—she likes jewelry. I have learned to manage my money and not waste it on things I do not need.”

Maynard said, “Dustan and John are good bosses. They treat me really good. I am part of the team working with the Pickle Baron of Key West.”

TSE Industries of Clearwater is a past Exceptional Employer winner. Two employees, Paul Christian and Donnie Buist, have both celebrated 10 years with the company. TSE Industries is a manufacturing company that produces custom molded rubber, precision machined plastic parts, and specialty chemicals. Christian’s job is Engineered Polymers Division Operator and Buist’s current title is Maintenance Custodian. Their upbeat attitude is valued by their coworkers and supervisors.

TSE Production Manager Fred DiPietro said, “Paul does a good job. Anything he is asked to do, he does. He has a positive attitude and is always smiling. Because Paul expressed a desire to do more, when an opportunity arises internally we move him into it, so each day could be a different task.”

Human Resources Manager Michelle Hintz-Prange said, “Donnie loves his TSE friends. Donnie is dedicated and always willing to help with projects.”

Individuals with disabilities are like you and I, just wanting a chance to show what they can do for a willing employer. APD works in partnership with the state's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program to provide support to individuals and employers to ensure a successful job match.

We need more businesses that are willing to provide job opportunities to people who are qualified and able to perform the work. APD and other programs are here to help your organization make a good job match. We will be there in the future should there become a need. We want your organization to have diligent and reliable employees like Tony, Ben, Paul, and Donnie.