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August 25, 2006

Hiring Programs for People with Disabilities earn Miami-Dade County Government Top Honors

The Able Trust announces 2006 Ability Awards Winners

Miami – Long before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Miami-Dade County Government established itself as a leader in providing workplace accommodations for its employees with disabilities. Through its Office of Reasonable Accommodation and several programs to recruit, hire and retain employees with disabilities, the County reinforces its commitment to a diverse workforce.

“The efforts of the County when it comes to breaking down barriers for the disability community far exceed simple compliance with the ADA” said Miami-Dade County manager George Burgess.

These achievements have not gone unnoticed as Miami-Dade County Government was recently honored as the Large Public Employer of the Year during the 10th Annual Ability Awards ceremony in Tampa.

The Able Trust, also known as the Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, hosts the Ability Awards to recognize business with an exceptional record of disability friendly practices, including hiring persons with disabilities and making reasonable accommodations. The Large Employer of the Year award honors businesses with 100 or more employees.

“We recognized this employer for seeing the long-term value that Floridians with disabilities contribute to the workforce,” said Kristen Knapp, vice president of public relations for The Able Trust. “While many companies benefit from the employment of people with disabilities, Miami-Dade County Government’s innovative philosophies and practices serve as models of positive inspiration to both the business and disability community.”

In the 1980’s, the County created the Reasonable Accommodation Fund enabling its departments to purchase assistive devices and sign language services for employees and applicants with disabilities. This fund encourages managers to hire people with disabilities without concerns about the cost for assistive equipment. This “best practice” has also been emulated by numerous agencies throughout the nation.

More recently, the County implemented the Outreach Intern Program for Individuals with Disabilities. The program is a unique effort that gives people with disabilities one year of paid on-the-job experience in clerical and professional positions, with the possibility of future employment. Participants and departments have expressed their strong satisfaction for this program, which as been both acknowledged and funded by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Able Trust annually recognizes outstanding achievement in four different categories. The award winners competed on a state level and were recognized for their efforts with a commendation from Governor Jeb Bush.

Contact: Heidi Otway, 850-681-3200, heidi@herrle.com

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