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August 28, 2006

Miami Donut Shop Honored for Going Above and Beyond to Hire People with Disabilities

The Able Trust Announces 2006 Ability Awards Winners

MIAMI – Dunkin Donuts caters to our sweet tooth with its fresh delicious donuts that are perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning. Not only does the management at the Dunkin Donuts store along Miami’s busy Biscayne Boulevard go above and beyond for its customers, the store has a commitment to serving and accommodating its employees with disabilities.

Through a partnership with the Center for Independent Living, the store has diversified its workforce to include nearly a dozen people with various disabilities. The entire staff of 20 participates in disability awareness training sessions and the employees with disabilities receive workplace accommodations, peer-mentoring, training and coaching to ensure their success on the job.

Because of these best practices, The Able Trust recently honored the Dunkin Donuts store with the Small Business of the Year Award during the 10th annual Ability Awards ceremony held in Tampa.

The Small Employer of the Year award recognizes businesses of 49 employees or less with an exceptional record of disability friendly practices, including hiring persons with disabilities, making reasonable accommodations and demonstrating efforts beyond simple compliance with state or federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws.

“It is very interesting to see how this establishment has applied the “can do” philosophy, which focuses on what an individual with disabilities is capable of doing, instead of what their limitations are,” said Tallulah Held, with the Center for Independent Living. “What this store is doing to employ people with disabilities is remarkable. In the last year alone, the store’s general manager has helped place ten people with various disabilities in this franchise, an impressive number if we consider that there is a staff of twenty.”

Ms. Held with the Center for Independent Living nominated the stores’ general manager Pablo Saad for the award.

“As a result of our hiring practices, business has increased, staff morale has improved, and the store has expanded its customer base to serve a previously untapped market - people with disabilities,” Mr. Saad said.

“Each award winner has encouraged people with disabilities in their goals to gain and maintain employment, “said Kristen Knapp, vice president of public relations for The Able Trust. “While many companies benefit from the employment of people with disabilities, this Dunkin Donuts franchise has adopted innovative philosophies and practices that can serve as a model of positive inspiration to both the business and disability community.”

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, annually recognizes outstanding achievements 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.

About The Able Trust The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, is a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership foundation established by the Florida Legislature in 1990. Its mission is to be the leader in providing Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through fund-raising, grant programs, public awareness and education. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has awarded over $18 million in grants to individuals with disabilities and nonprofit agencies. Its programs have enabled more than 2,000 Florida citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce each year.

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

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