The Able Trust - Because people want to work.

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Florida Governor's Alliance

FGA Initiatives

As part of Executive Order 97-57, The Able Trust/Florida Governor's Alliance serves as liaison to the US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The Able Trust initiates several projects as part of its FGA designation.

Job Accommodation Network
JAN is a toll-free service that provides technical assistance on job accommodations and information about the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Calls are answered by trained consultants who understand the functional limitations associated with disabilities and have access to comprehensive information about accommodation methods, devices and strategies.

Anyone may call JAN at (800) ADA-WORK (800-232-9675) Voice/TDD or (800) 526-7234 Voice/TDD. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Eastern Standard Time.

Business Leadership Network
The Florida Governor's Alliance Business Leadership Network is one of 50 statewide business networks of corporate and business leaders which liaisons with the ODEP to increase employment opportunities for citizens with disabilities. The Florida Business Leadership Network will identify business leaders who have demonstrated support for the principles of ADA and organize them in support of ODEP; the Florida Governor's Alliance, and other state and local disability-related organizations.

Minority Initiative
The Able Trust annually awards grant to organizations throughout Forida to enhance and expand employment opportunities for Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics with disabilities. For more information about The Able Trust Grants Program, click here.

Public Awareness Programs
Public Awareness is a priority for the Trust/FGA. Each year, the Foundations sponsors a number of activities to promote public awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Establishment of the FGA Advisory Council
The FGA has organized a council, not based on various types of disabilities, but based upon the functional needs of all citizens, such as: health services, transportation, housing, ADA, education, recreation and other areas. The Council will consist of approximately eleven statewide representatives with a purpose of information and resource sharing, education on national and statewide efforts, policy initiatives and comparison of support needs.

Youth Leadership Forum
The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a unique leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. The event is held annually in July in Tallahassee, Florida. Fifty student delegates are selected for their demonstrated leadership potential through a competitive application process. The goal of the YLF is to develop a network of young adults with disabilities who realize their ability to pursue meaningful employment and societal contributions, while helping break down the barriers to independence for people with disabilities.

High School/High Tech
High School/ High Tech is a community-based partnership of parents, educators, rehabilitation professionals, and business representatives. Its purpose is to encourage students with disabilities to explore the fields of science, engineering, and technology, and aim for college and a degree in their chosen field.

The Able Trust grant program and new FGA initiatives are anticipated to result in a total of approximately 800 jobs or self-employment outcomes and approximately 200 persons in preparation for potential employment for fiscal year 1999.