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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2015

CONTACT:Melanie Mowry Etters
Communications Director
(850) 414-7551

This is Disability Employment Month

Tallahassee, FL -Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet have declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. Throughout October, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and its partner agencies will be promoting the valuable skills individuals with disabilities contribute to the workforce.

On Wednesday, October 7, APD, Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation will be recognizing eight businesses as Florida Exceptional Employers for being outstanding employers of people with disabilities. These businesses have a history of hiring and retaining employees who have various disabilities.

The 10th annual awards celebration will be held at the Tallahassee City Commission Chambers, 300 South Adams Street, as part of recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. An informational expo begins at 8:30 a.m., with the employer awards ceremony from 9:30-10:30 a.m. This free event is open to the public. Event sponsors are the Able Trust, City of Tallahassee, and RESPECT of Florida.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “It is important to recognize employers who see the value in giving all people an opportunity to prove themselves in the workforce. We are excited about recognizing these eight Florida businesses who are giving individuals a chance to work and demonstrate a substantial return on their company’s investment in them.”

Agency for Persons with Disabilities employee Shannon Roberts will share what having a job means to her. Other speakers include Outreach and Training Manager with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Elaine McArthur and  Executive Director of RESPECT of Florida Ryland Musick.