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106 East College Avenue
Suite 820
Tallahassee, FL 32301
888-838-ABLE
(toll-free in Florida)
850-224-4493 Voice or TDD
850-224-4496 Fax
Email:info@abletrust.org
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Individuals, non-profit agencies, employers and other organizations that have made great strides in increasing employment opportunities for Floridians with disabilities were honored during the 2002 Ability Awards ceremony in Orlando on Thursday, September 26. Representative Bob Allen presented the awards on behalf of Governor Jeb Bush.
The Able Trust annually recognizes outstanding achievements in five different categories. 2002 winners included:
Beverly Chapman Award for Outstanding Employment Placement Program
Children’s Haven & Adult Community Services, Inc. This non-profit organization based in Sarasota helps adults and teens with disabilities obtain community-based jobs consistent with their interests and abilities and works with employers to identify and provide necessary accommodations at the job site.
The Able Trust Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur
Mr. Bruce Landers. This Pinellas Park resident is the owner of Wheelchair & Handicapable Access, a construction business focused on home modifications that will allow persons with disabilities to function at their maximum capability with minimal assistance. Landers combines his skills from working in the construction trades and experience in daily living as a quadriplegic to help modify existing homes or construct new homes with maximum wheelchair accessibility.
Large Employer of the Year Award
Walgreen’s Distribution Center in Jupiter has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through a partnership with Gulfstream Goodwill, Inc. After offering temporary employment for a crew of workers with severe disabilities to help with start-up tasks, Walgreens developed permanent positions for these workers and later offered another set of jobs and made accommodations for workers with disabilities to serve as Warehouse Assistants. The Walgreens Distribution Center provides an inclusive atmosphere, assuring all employees are treated equally with the same expectations and opportunities.
Small Employer of the Year
Wendy’s Restaurant in West Palm Beach. Owner Robert J.Morden has worked with Gulfstream Goodwill Industries and other organizations over the past 11 years to help his workers use their abilities to the maximum. Nearly a third of Morden’s employees have some type of disability, and his business has reaped the rewards of an excellent and dedicated workforce. The restaurant is breaking sales records in the area and is one of the leading Wendy’s locations in the country.
Youth Leader Award
Joshua Pila. A Junior at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Pila is being for his outstanding efforts to raise awareness of disability issues on campus and in the community. Pila is an active member of UF Student Government and serves as a role model for other students with disabilities. He recently coordinated a program titled ÒAwareness by Leadership and EducationÓ (ABLE.) The 3-day event featured opportunities for students with disabilities to learn about leadership opportunities with student government and other campus groups and taught students how to access important campus and community resources.
Media Award
David Bauer is the Suburban Editor of The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. Bauer and his newspaper have created a unique opportunity for non-profit organizations to highlight success stories in order to promote the employment of people with disabilities. Through these running articles, Bauer have raised awareness of people with disabilities as valued employees and demonstrated that local, respected employers are benefiting from hiring quality employees who happen to have disabilities.
