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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Navigating the job market can be challenging, but people with disabilities can face even more roadblocks.
It starts with a conversation, according to Amy Garner, the EmployU lead youth employment specialist.
“I work on building career skills, helping them gain a resume, just kind of get experience and do career exploration,” Garner said.
Garner works one-on-one with people who have disabilities to land a job.
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and to commemorate the month, we’re highlighting some talented workers here across the Tampa Bay area.
One employee is making a difference in the culinary industry in Pasco County.
For Jeremy Ross, the kitchen is where he is most comfortable.
“My slogan is trust and respect,” says Ross. “I just want a good work environment.”
For the last seven months, Ross has been working as a prep cook at Bubba’s 33 in Wesley Chapel. Chopping up lettuce and other varieties of vegetables.
“It’s good working for them. I can finally be myself when I’m working.”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — At WPTV’s Let’s Hear It event in Boynton Beach last month, two companies shared their success story about connecting people with developmental disabilities to meaningful employment.
WPTV Anchor Mike Trim spoke with Jeff Hancock at employU about what the company offers for those who are disabled and developmentally challenged. Hancock is currently working with upwards of 200 disabled residents across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast to help them find jobs.
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Non-profit Helps Those with Disabilities Find Work at Businesses Facing Labor Shortages
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Polk Companies Hire Disabled Workers to Solve Labor Shortage
SANFORD, Fla. — Finding the right job can be difficult for anyone, but for people with disabilities, that task can be even tougher. A Lake Mary High School student is thriving thanks to a job where she can teach people about the wilder side of Central Florida.
It’s work that’s not only helping Smith now, but it’s also giving her experience in what could become a lifelong career
Sophia Smith has autism and faces some cognitive challenges. On a typical walk with her to her work assignment at the Central Florida Zoo, she’s on a mission, and all about focusing on the work at hand.
Her job is part of a partnership between the zoo and EmployU, an agency that finds the right employment opportunities for people with disabilities. That includes young people like Smith who are still figuring out what work they’re interested in.
PORT ORANGE, Fla. — There are many challenges people with disabilities face that some might not think about.
One challenge is finding employment, and then, if they get a job, getting there can also be difficult. Together, they are two major obstacles that can prevent many from being included in the workforce.
“There is never a challenge too hard for me,” said Curely, working with robotics inside his home.
Curely has cerebral palsy and developed seizures as a baby. He incurred disabilities that affected part of his brain and speech.
It’s Disability Employment Awareness Month, and one Melbourne restaurant stands out for providing job opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Their partnership with EmployU has been the key to their success.
The non-profit provides a one-stop shop for career development for people with disabilities.
“They want to work, and that’s the difference, and it makes it easy to place with many of our community partners,” EmployU Area Coordinator of Vocational Services Glenna Scheidt said.
EmployU has several goals and highlights that it’s about more than just getting a job.
Finding work can be tough, but finding work with a disability can be even harder. To help with this issue, nonprofit EmployU is helping those with disabilities find work and coaching them to continue their successes.
Barista Kevin Root starts each work day the same — with a smile and a hello. For the 37-year-old Starbucks employee, landing this job was one tall task. “I just love the way (employU works) with me about you know, all the issues that I have and how they accommodate me despite other things that I can’t control,” Root said.
employU® is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit employment service creating inclusive workforces for people with disabilities and other underserved populations through education, empowerment, and advocacy. We are partnered with The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the American Dream Employment Network. Our company is structured as a one-stop-shop offering adult employment services, youth programs, employability trainings, paid work experience, and a variety of assessments. Our services enhance a customer’s ability to successfully achieve independence by establishing a lifelong career.
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