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The Florida Grantor, Winter 2008

President’s Letter
Hard Times Call for Hard Work

As I look back on my first year with The Able Trust, I am filled with pride for what we have accomplished. However, I also feel the emotions of concern for the economy, and what effect that might have on our programs, our grantee organizations, and in the end, the opportunities for our citizens with disabilities to secure employment. As I have heard from so many of my friends who are living with a disability, there is a fear that opportunities may decrease for them in times of high unemployment. The business place definition of “the best person for the job” may change depending on economic conditions and the increasing competition for available positions.

Of course, those who work within the disability community know that more often than not, the person with a disability applying for a position may indeed be that best person. It is OUr job to deliver that message to businesses in Florida. It is a message that needs to be delivered throughout the state and delivered often. Last month, the unemployment rate in Florida was approximately 7 percent, up from 5.6 percent in May 2008 – making Florida one of only 12 states to have an unemployment rate of 7 percent or higher. To many this is frightening and deeply concerning.

Without diminishing the implications of such an increase, we do need to realize the much higher unemployment rate for people with disabilities. According to the 2006 American Community Survey, approximately 1.3 million Floridians with disabilities are between the ages of 21 and 64, years typically called “working years.” Among that segment of the population that are willing and able to work, only 50 percent are actually working. That equates to a 50 percent unemployment rate for Florida’s citizens with disabilities. Clearly there is work to be done, and the challenges are expected to be greater with the state of the current economy.

The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities has targeted employment as one of its five key initiative areas for attention. Among the 11 employment-related recommendations to the Governor, is one that the Florida Business Leadership network (FBLn), sponsored and supported by The Able Trust, is pursuing as a solution. The Board of Directors of The Able Trust has committed to a major expansion of support for the BLns already in existence, and to the nurturing of new BLns throughout the state. Through these networks, businesses have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, and support each other in those employment efforts. Some BLns are implementing internship programs, giving businesses the opportunity to test the skills and work patterns of people with disabilities at minimal or no cost and without making a long term commitment. However, the businesses often find that their employees with disabilities are among the best in skill, loyalty, and reliability.

As a recent national study indicated, people respond positively to companies that are socially responsible – 87 percent would prefer to give their business to companies that hire people with disabilities. We will continue to use these positive results to improve access to fair employment for those we serve, and work to make sure the current economic conditions do not further limit their options.

Susanne F. Homant
President & CEO, The Able Trust