Winter 2013 Florida Teens with Disabilities Receive the 2 President’S Letter Gift of Technology 3 Meet the Board of Directors by Ray Ford, Jr

lorida GranTOR F • Official Publication of The Able Trust www.abletrust.org Winter 2013 Florida Teens with Disabilities Receive the 2 President’s Letter Gift of Technology 3 Meet the Board of Directors by Ray Ford, Jr. 4 CareerAbility Aids People with Dis- abilities in Their Search for Employ- ment 6 The 2013 Ability Celebration 7 Words to Inspire 7 Partners Making A Difference: Dianne & Elliott Steele 8 Clubhouse That Aids People with Men- tal Illnesses Proves to Be a Volunteer’s Key to Success 9 Grantee Spotlight - Creative Clay 10 Grantee Spotlight - The Pepin Acad- emies 11 Florida High School High Tech: The Value of Summer Internships

11 2012 Florida Youth Leadership Forum Nearly 40 high school students across the state have received refurbished Dell laptop computers loaded with software. (from left to right) Stand Among Friends President & CEO Shawn Friedkin, Able Trust 12 The Florida High School High Tech President & CEO Dr. Susanne Homant, and Michelle Galloway (middle, standing) honor students Carrie Program Improves Postsecondary Out- and Jose during an award ceremony just before Christmas. comes for Youth with Disabilities lorida’s unemployment rate is just below 9%. However, for citizens with disabili- 13 Make a Donation to The Able Trust Fties, the numbers are much worse. Negative stereotypes in the workplace have unfairly labeled citizens with disabilities, in many cases preventing them from even 14 Disability Employment Awareness getting a chance to prove themselves. Therefore, in order to give our students with dis- Month/Disability Mentoring Day abilities a competitive advantage, we must educate them on the importance of receiving 15 Pilot Program Helps St. Petersburg the highest level of education and training possible. College Students with Disabilities That education must take place in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Enter the Workforce Math (STEM). 16 Upcoming Events According to a study conducted by Change the Equation (an organization that supports 16 Memorial Gifts STEM education), there are approximately 3.6 unemployed workers for every job in the United States. When it comes to STEM workers, one is unemployed for two unfilled STEM jobs throughout the country. That means many jobs are going unfilled simply for lack of people with the right skill sets.

Thanks to a partnership between The Able Trust and The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST), several high school students with disabilities across the state of Florida are getting a much-needed boost when it comes to closing the technological divide that unfortunately still exists in our country. This quarter, nearly 40 deserving students received refurbished laptops loaded with all the latest software,

TheBECAUSE Able Trust’s PEOPLE mission WANT is to T beO aWORK key leader (continued on page 5) in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. A Message from the President For the past seven years, The Able Trust has been honored to work with a number of volunteer networking groups who have been ac- BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT T O WORK tive in their communities in the promotion of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Known as Business Leadership BOARD OF DIRECTORS Networks (BLNs), the members of these groups were often strong and consistent supporters of workforce diversity that included Chair Richard L. Cole, Jr., Esq., The Villages people with disabilities in good jobs with career potential. As the BLN movement was growing, The Able Trust provided membership Vice Chair Bridget R. Pallango, Miami services and support, which included some internship grants, funding of a statewide “Look at my Ability” campaign, maintenance Secretary Jeannie Amendola, Lake Buena Vista of a website, development of communication items, and hosting regular meetings. As the need for BLN member services grew beyond the resources of The Able Trust, we facilitated Treasurer Marcy Pinkey Benton, Lakeland membership in the national BLN organization, known as the USBLN. Some of the local BLNs have taken advantage of membership in the national affiliation, and others have er - formed and renamed their organization at the local level, remaining committed to the goal Robert A. Butterworth, Esq., Ft. Lauderdale of successful employment for Floridians with disabilities. J.R. Harding, Tallahassee

Jason E. Havens, Esq., Niceville The end of January marked the conclusion of The Able Trust’s role as the Florida BLN, recognizing the USBLN as the national organization which has a mission more directly Anne Marie Taglienti, Ft. Lauderdale related to supporting these local networking groups. We were honored to help the BLN Ambassadors movement get underway in Florida, and look forward to working with many of these groups and individual members as partners in our continuing and joint efforts to assure Eladio Amores, Sarasota that Florida’s workforce includes people with disabilities, and that people with disabilities Bob Billingslea, Orlando have career opportunities in the industries and businesses that are the best match for their Bob Bromberg, Miami skills and talents. Our thanks to the following 2012 BLN Leadership, who assisted in the Lara Burnside, Pensacola transition.

Nancy Kline, Ft. Walton Beach Lara Burnside, Florida BLN Chair Karen Moore, Tallahassee Lynne Kettells, Chair, Bay Area BLN Pamme Taylor,Tampa Cecilia Lopez, President, Big Bend BLN Staff Betsy Farmer, Executive Director, Brevard BLN President & CEO Julie Kreafle, Executive Director, Broward BLN Dr. Susanne Homant John Mirra and Gail Waller, Co-Chairs, Emerald Coast BLN SeniorVice President Christopher Oakley, Chair, First Coast BLN Guenevere Crum Erin Lansberry, President, Fort Myers BLN State Director, Florida High School High Tech Lisa Hancock and Doreen Soto, Co-Chairs, Orlando BLN Allison Chase Benjamin Mills, Chair, Manasota BLN Chief Development Director Bob Bromberg, Chair of former Miami – Dade BLN Kathryn McManus Mary Thomas, Chair, Palm Beach BLN Assistant Director of Communications & Events Lara Burnside and Joel Hullet, Co-Chairs, Panhandle BLN Ray Ford, Jr. Dick Pellegrini and Karen Mitchell, Co-Chairs, Polk County BLN Assistant Director, Donor Services & Administration JoJo Ruby-White, Harriett Jordan and Robert Haber, Co-Chairs, Tampa Bay Metro BLN Mary Jo Hatala

Manager, Internship & Mentoring Programs It should be noted that during the creation and development of the Florida BLN, many, Joseph D’Sousa many other volunteers assisted in the effort, and the network of people with disabilities Financial Manager has been truly served well by all of these gracious volunteers. We hope they will all con- Michelle Young tinue to work collaboratively with their communities and the USBLN as they advance the Assistant to President & CEO mission of successful employment in their local areas. I personally will look forward to Jessica Taylor partnerships with many of these volunteers as we move onward in helping to create diverse Administrative Assistant and inclusive workforces in all of Florida’s industries. Alexis C. Garcia Kindest regards, PROGRAM CONSULTANTS Florida Youth Leadership Forum Carolyn Pardue Dr. Susanne F. Homant Florida High School High Tech Donna Mundy President & CEO

Florida Grantor 2 Friends of The Able Trust

Abilities Foundation Abilities of Florida, Inc. Meet the Board of Directors Ability 1st The Able Trust is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, all appointed by the Governor of the State of Florida. The Accessible Alternatives, Inc. Board of Directors is primarily responsible for the overall governance of the organization, which includes fiduciary duties to ACT Corporation assure the financial viability of the organization, to provide strategic and long-term direction to the organization, to approve Action Disability Advocates, Inc. grants, and to hire its CEO. The Able Trust is very fortunate to have very talented Directors, all of whom have extensive Advance Ability Solutions knowledge of the disability network or have a disability themselves, and all of whom have impressive business backgrounds. AFIRE of Pasco County, Inc. The Grantor features two of its Board Members in this edition. Against All Odds-Macular Degeneration Network Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Agency for Workforce Innovation Marcy Benton Aids Community Project of Tampa Bay ppointed to The Able Trust Board of Directors in 2010 American Foundation for Visual Rehabilitation American Habilitation Services, Inc. Ato fill a vacant position, Ms. Benton has continuously American with Disabilities Working Group served the mission of the organization, and was elected to of- Ann Storck Center, Inc. Apalachee Center, Inc. ficer status in 2012, currently serving as The Able Trust Trea- ARC, Inc. surer. She has been a valued employee at Publix Corporation ARC Alachua County since 1992, recently promoted to Director of Retail Associate ARC Florida ARC Gadsden Relations, after a long tenure with Publix human resources ARC Gateway, Inc. department as the Publix Manager of Associate Diversity. In ARC Glades Area ARC Jackson County that position she helped to champion the Publix culture of ARC Madison-Jefferson diversity and inclusion throughout the organization. She has ARC Marion, Inc. a passion for workforce diversity and working to ensure that opportunities are provided ARC Nassau ARC Nature Coast to all members of society, and has been instrumental in promoting Disability Mentor- ARC of Alachua County ing Day experiences in Florida and Georgia at a number of Publix locations. She grew ARC of Bradford County ARC of Broward up in public housing in Florida, and vowed as a child to attend college in order to be ARC of Indian River County a change agent for herself and her family. Director Benton achieved that dream and ARC of Martin County ARC of Okeechobee more, earning her BS degree in business administration from the University of Florida, ARC of Palm Beach County and her MBA from the University of South Florida. ARC of Putnam County ARC Ridge Area ARC South Florida, Inc. Marcy serves The Able Trust on its Executive Committee, also chairs the Finance ARC St. John’s County, Inc. Committee, and serves as a member of its Grant Committee. In addition to her exten- ARC St. Lucie County ARC Sumter County sive volunteer work with The Able Trust, she serves other charitable organizations in ARC Upper Pinellas Florida and elsewhere, working to create opportunities for inclusion in a wide variety of ARC Volusia settings. She has lived in Florida since birth, is married to Steve, and is the very proud Archways Behavioral Healthcare Association for the Development of the Exceptional mother of Bryce. Axon Technologies, Inc. Bay Point Schools, Inc. Bayview Center for Mental Health, Inc. Behavioral Health Services Anne Marie Taglienti Bethune-Cookman College Big Bend Workforce Center Blind Americans, Inc. s. Taglienti was appointed to The Able Trust Board Boley Centers for Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. Mof Directors in the fall of 2010, and brings extensive Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program grant review and marketing expertise to the Foundation. She Brain Injury Association of Florida Brevard Achievement Center is the VP of Global Philanthropy for JP Morgan Chase and Brevard Community College works out of the company’s Miami offices, responsible for Brevard Public Schools Bristol-Myers Squibb Company grant-making, community relations, and volunteerism for Bureau Chief for Medicaid Services the JP Morgan Chase Foundation in South Florida. Previous CARC-Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities, Inc. employment includes work at the American Express offices in Caring & Sharing CIL CCAR Services, Inc. Fort Lauderdale, serving as its Director of Corporate Affairs CCDH, Inc. and Communications. Prior to her appointment to the Board, Celestial Therapeutic & Ornamental Gardens Center for Drug Free Living Director Taglienti worked as a volunteer on The Able Trust mentoring programs, as- Center for Independence, Technology and Education sisting her employer with the creation of mentoring and job-shadowing experiences for Center for Independent Living of Broward high school students and young job-seekers, contributing to their knowledge base on Center for Independent Living of Central FL- Polk office Center for Independent Living of Central Florida career choices. As a Director, she serves on the Ethics, Bylaws and Policies Committee, Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida the Development and Marketing Committee, and Grant Committee of The Able Trust. Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Center for Independent Living of South Florida Center for Independent Living of Southwest Florida Anne Marie earned her BA degree from the University of Florida, and is completing her Center for Independent Living of the Keys Center for Positive Connections MBA degree at Nova Southeastern University. She has a history of serving charitable Center for Space Education organizations and advancing philanthropic missions throughout the state. She brings Center for the Visually Impaired extensive experience in grant-making and outcome analysis to her position on the CHAC-Sarasota/Manatee Co. HSHT Charter School at National Deaf Academy Board, as well as marketing expertise. Born in NY, she has worked in several northeast- Chipola Junior College ern states, but calls Florida her home. She is the mother of three wonderful children, Citrus Hearing Impaired Program Services, Inc. Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. and active in their lives. Communication Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing 3 The Able Trust Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities Creech Engineers, Inc. DAAWG Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Pasco/Hernando Co, Inc. Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Volusia/Flager Deaf & Hearing Connection for Tampa Bay, Inc. CareerAbility Aids People with Disabilities Deaf & Hearing Services of Lake & Sumter Counties Deaf Service Bureau of West Central Florida in Their Search for Employment Deaf Service Center of Palm Beach County Deaf Service Center of Pasco/Hernando County Deaf Service Center of SW Florida, Inc. Deaf Service Center of the Treasure Coast, Inc. Able Trust Grant Funds Boca Raton Nonprofit Dept. of Children & Families Dept. of Corrections core job requirement for an artist is strong visual skills. Sean Martell has them, but Dept. of Education Aa visual impairment in his left eye and a learning disability presented challenges Dept. of Education-BISCS as he tried to enter the graphic design profession. Martell needed more than a college Dept. of Elder Affairs Dept. Elder Affairs Employment Programs Unit degree in graphic design to show he was qualified; he needed help to overcome the Dept. of Veterans Affairs obstacles that people with disabilities can face Deputy of Juvenile Justice Developmental Services, Inc. when searching for employment. Developmentally Disabled Residential Corp. Disability Rights Florida Enter Stand Among Friends, a Boca Raton Division of Blind Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation nonprofit that helps college students and adults Division of Workers Compensation with disabilities prepare for, seek, and secure Division of Workers’ Office employment. Michelle Galloway, an employ- DOE/BICS DOT’S WRITE ment consultant with SAF’s CareerAbility pro- Easter Seal Society of Broward County, Inc. gram, came to Martell’s aid. She helped him Easter Seals Miami-Dade Easter Seals of Broward County prepare for interviews and worked with him on Easter Seals Society of Volusia & Flagler Counties, Inc. how to write a strong resume and cover letter Echo Outreach Ministries Eckerd Academy/Eckerd Youth Alternatives as well as create a portfolio that would impress Elder Care of Alachua County prospective employers. Emmanuel A.M.E. Zion Church, and Childcare Center Thanks to the grant funding CareerAbility Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Inc. Epilepsy Foundation of NE Florida “My goal was to help Sean be more marketable received from The Able Trust, Sean got the Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida as he made another attempt to find a part-time opportunity to display his talents and join the Epilepsy Foundation of Southwest FL job,” Galloway said. “We needed to lower, if workforce. Escambia HS/HT FAAST not remove, any barriers that could get in his Fellowship House way of convincing an employer that he would make a great hire.” FL Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged FL Crown Workforce Development Board FL DDC Lending support to Stand Among Friends and its CareerAbility program was The Able FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation Trust, a state-funded initiative that seeks to be a key leader in providing Floridians Florida Aids Action Council Florida Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Inc. with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. Last March, The Able Trust Florida Association for the Deaf and Blind, Inc. awarded Stand Among Friends a three-year, $200,000 grant. As a result of this support, Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living Galloway and Martel’s efforts paid off. In September, a Boca Raton publishing com- Florida Capital County Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. pany hired the 33-year-old aspiring graphic artist, where he is now gaining professional Florida Coalition for the Homeless experience. Florida Council for Community Health, Inc. Florida Council for Community Mental Health, Inc. Florida Crown Workforce Board, Inc. “Through CareerAbility, we built a connection with the company to provide support to Florida Crown Workforce Career Center them and Sean,” Galloway said. Florida Department of Education Florida Impact Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. Among the support CareerAbility helped provide Martell was assistive technology Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE) equipment. For example, through CareerAbility’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, Florida Keys Employment & Training Council Florida Lions Conklin Center for the Blind he was equipped with an Apple computer loaded with voice recognition software called Florida Medicaid Dragon SpeakingNaturally. Among the software’s features is a speech-to-text program Florida Psychiatric Society that helps Martell produce text faster and more accurately than he could by typing. Florida Rehabilitation Association Florida Society of Ophthalmology Florida Space Grant Consortium “That software program made a huge improvement in his efficiency as a graphic artist,” Florida’s Voice on Mental Retardation Galloway said. Florida Department of Corrections Foundation for Orange Co. Public Schools, Inc. Friends of the Deaf Service Center, Inc. After 90 days on the job, Martell’s transition into the working world was considered a Glaxo Smith Kline success, according to Galloway. Global Care Provider Services Good Hope Equestrian Training Center Goodwill CDC “The only thing he needed was a chance to prove he was capable of working as a Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast graphic artist,” she said. Goodwill Foundation, Inc. Goodwill Heart of Florida Goodwill Industries of Broward A 2010 Harris Interactive survey titled “The ADA, 20 Years Later,” found that only Goodwill Industries of Central Florida 21 percent of persons with disabilities aged 18–64 are employed full- or part-time, far Goodwill Industries of North Florida Goodwill Industries of South Florida, Inc. below the 59 percent reported for persons without disabilities. Ensuring that the under- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida represented disability community can find employment appropriate to their background Goodwill Industries Suncoast, Inc. Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. and skills is a top priority of The Able Trust. Grove House Supportive Services, Inc. Florida Grantor 4 Guardian Angels for Special Populations, Inc. Gulf Coast Community Care Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Habilitation Center for the Handicapped (continued from page 1) Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County Hardee Association for Retarded Citizens Hearing Impaired Persons in hopes of giving them a competitive Heron-Peacock Supported Living HOPE Center advantage in the workforce and postsecond- Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center ary education. Simply put, this gift could Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida, Inc. Human Services Council be a game-changer when it comes to the I Can Grow, Inc. quality of life they can now choose to lead, Independence for the Blind achieving their educational and employ- Independent Living and Resource Center NE Florida Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida ment aspirations. Janssen Jeff Industries Jewish Association for Residential Care “Through an extraordinary collaboration Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Inc. that FAAST was proud to be a part of, The La Amistad Foundation, Inc.. Ability 1st High School High Tech Director Carrie Lakeside Alternatives Able Trust and High School High Tech Pro- Milhous and Able Trust Senior Vice President Lakeview Center Foundation grams sought out needy students with dis- Guenevere Crum award Wakulla High School LARC, Inc. abilities and distributed 40 refurbished Dell student Keith along with High School High Tech L’Arche Harbor House Project Coordinator Jonathan Keith. Latino Leadership, Inc. laptops across the state,” FAAST Executive Law, Redd, Crona & Munroe, P.A Director Steve Howells said. “This direct League for the Hard of Hearing Lieffers & Associates service enables these students to cross the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida, Inc. digital divide when accessing electronic in- Life Stream Behavioral Center formation, and helps level the playing field Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Inc. Lighthouse of Broward for them to compete.” Lighthouse of Central Florida Lincoln-Marti Community Agency Lock Towns Community Mental Health Center, Inc. Four students from the Goodwill Indus- Louise H. Graham Training Center tries of Southwest Florida High School Loveland Center Inc. High Tech (HSHT) Program were awarded MacDonald Training Center, Inc. MACtown, Inc. laptops at a ceremony before Christmas. Madison County HSHT Eighty applications were submitted. Recip- Madison County School Board Dept, ESE Magellan Health Services ients were overjoyed not just by the award Manatee Glens itself, but what it means to their futures. The Able Trust continues to support veterans initia- Marianne Center Services With these laptops, they are equipped with tives throughout the state, helping them hone their Martin Memorial Health System skills and find employment. Center for Indepen- MAXIMUS a powerful tool that will aid them in achiev- dent Living of South Florida Executive Director McDaniel Consulting, L.L.C. ing their life’s goals. Dreams of college and Kelly Greene and Russell Otway award veterans Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County Mental Health Care, Inc. Cinthia and Cesar along with Able Trust President vocational school are now a reality. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired & CEO Dr. Susanne Homant. Miami-Dade Disability Services and Independent Living (DSAIL) “The students who received these laptops have focused career training goals,” Goodwill Michael D. Cusick & Associates, Inc. Port Charlotte HSHT Coordinator, Angela Hemstreet said. “One of my students told Monroe Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. us that having her own computer will mean having unlimited access to online training Moore Consulting Group, Inc. Muscular Dystrophy Association videos. Removing the barrier of time constraints on studying is a pretty big deal.” NAMI Florida, Inc. NASA National Multiple Sclerosis (FL Gulf Coast) “The important work of The Able Trust in partnership with those in the HSHT Programs National Multiple Sclerosis Society- Mid FL Chapter brings to mind a famous quote from Abraham Lincoln,” Howells said. “‘Determine that National Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Florida the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.’” Chapter National Wheelchair Sports Fund New Hope Drop In Center, Inc. New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc. New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Inc. Northside Mental Health Center OFCCP Miami Area Office OFCCP Orlando District Office Since 2011, The Able Trust and The Florida Alliance Office of Health Services Office of the Governor for Assistive Services Technology (FAAST) have Okeechobee Rehabilitation Facility One Stop Career Center awarded 64 refurbished Dell laptop computers to high Orange County Public Schools Osceola ARC, Inc. school students with disabilities across the state of Palm Bay High School Palm Beach County HS/HT Florida. Palm Beach Habilitation Center, Inc. Pathways to Independence, Inc. Pensacola Care, Inc. Perdido Bay Tribe, Inc. Pine Castle, Inc. Primrose Center, Inc. Project Special Care Project STAND, Inc. PSI Family Services of Florida, Inc. Pyramid, Inc. 5 The Able Trust Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Remmert Employment Project Renaissance Behavioral Health System, Inc. Roe & Associates Integrated Behavior Supports, Inc. Rotary Youth Camp Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of S. Palm Beach Co. Seacamp Association, Inc. Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. Self Reliance, Inc. Seminole Work Opportunity Program SGS Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County, Inc. Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida Small Business Development Center/ FGCU Social Security Administration SOS Children’s Village of Florida Southeast Parkinson Disease Association Space Coast Center for Independent Living Special Advisor on Criminal Justice and Mental Health - FL Supreme Court St. Andrew’s Bay Center Stand Among Friends Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention FL Office of Drug Control Suncoast Center for Independent Living Suncoast Epilepsy Association, Inc. Suncoast Health Council, Inc. Sunrise Cape Coral Cluster Sunrise Community of Polk County Sunrise Community of Southwest Florida Sunrise Community, Inc. Sunrise of Pasco County Sunrise Opportunities, Inc. Tallahassee Community College Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind Taylor County High School Technical & Career Education Technical and Career Education The ARC of Jacksonville The Center for Independence, Inc. The Harbor The Learning Experience School The Spina Bifida Association of Jacksonville, Inc. The Watson Center TLC Landscape Contractors, Inc. Tri-County Community Council, Inc. Tri-County TEC Tyler Institute United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Florida United Cerebral Palsy of North Florida United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida United Cerebral Palsy of Panama City, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota-Manatee & SW Florida United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of Tallahassee University of South Florida Urban League of Broward County Van Gogh’s Palette, Inc. Veterans Administration Victory Living Programs Vincent House Visual Dialogue Visually Impaired Persons of Southwest Florida Volunteer Florida Foundation Volunteer Jacksonville, Inc. VSA Arts of Florida Walton County ARC Washington/Holmes ARC WAVE The Workshop for Adult Vocational Enrichment Wellcare Woodland Hall Academy/Dyslexia Research Institute Workforce Alliance, Inc. Workforce Development Board Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa & Walton Counties Workforce Florida Working Solutions

Florida Grantor 6 Words to Inspire Jennifer French - 2013 Ability Celebration Keynote

oin The Able Trust at its 2013 Ability Celebration in Orlando on March 9 and enjoy an inspir- Jing presentation by featured speaker Jennifer French, U.S. silver medalist for the SKUD-18 in sailing at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London. French is a member of the U.S. Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider, an eight-time winner of the Milan-Gruson award for top female skipper with a disability, and a silver medalist from the 2011 & 2012 IFDS World Championships.

Jennifer became a quadriplegic as a result of a snowboarding accident. Although doctors told her she would never get out of her wheelchair, Jennifer participated in the clinical trial of a neu- roprosthetic system that now enables her to stand up and move around using her own muscles, stimulated by 24 surgically-implanted electrodes.

Jennifer continues to help the research team test new features, pushing the limits of her strength and endurance while proving the viability of this new therapy for thousands of other potential recipients – including injured soldiers returning from war. She also advances that work as the Executive Director of Neurotech Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to improve the education of, and the advocacy to access neurotechnology for persons with impairments.

Partners Making A Difference - Dianne and Elliott Steele by Kathryn McManus

family tragedy brought on by mental illness led Dianne and Elliott Steele on a long and frustrating search for community re- Asources. Unable to find what was needed, the Steeles eventually took the bold step of founding a new organization themselves. Recently celebrating 10 years of service, Vincent House is a recovery-through-work membership community in Pinellas Park that helps hundreds of its members find renewed and fulfilled lives. For many of them, that has also meant successful employment. Dianne and Elliott attribute the success of their programs to the support provided over the years by The Able Trust, and have also become regular donors in support of The Able Trust’s programs.

“We feel we have an obligation and duty to support those that support us,” Elliott said, “and it would be great if others stepped up and joined us.”

“Working with The Able Trust has been a pleasure and delight,” Dianne added. “And we cherish the relationship we have.”

Not only have the Steeles benefitted from the financial support ofThe Able Trust, but the association has opened up an entire disability support network they never knew existed. They found it particularly notable that The Able Trust goes beyond just being a grantor. The contributions made by Elliott and Dianne Steele “It’s a continuing conversation,” Elliott said. “The Able Trust has helped us make con- benefit hundreds of Floridians with disabilities in nections with other grantors and resources, creating new collaborations.” Pinellas Park.

We appreciate Dianne and Elliott’s personal and financial support, and are proud of our cooperative efforts in achieving successful employment for Floridians with disabilities. Congratulations on 10 years of changing lives at Vincent House!

7 The Able Trust Clubhouse That Aids People with Mental Illnesses Proves to Be a Volunteer’s Key to Success Able Trust Grant Supports Miami Nonprofit’s Mission

ario Ramirez can now look back on the mental health crisis he had Min 2010 and say with a smile that everything happens for a reason. Up until that moment, he never held a steady job and lived in virtual isola- tion as he struggled to cope with schizophrenia.

“When you have a mental condition and some people know you have that, it’s a stigma,” Ramirez said. “I wasn’t socially accepted.”

Getting a job and holding it was nearly impossible for him, even though he had a college degree in civil engineering. So he toiled as a painter, making ends meet with the help of this father until he passed away 10 years ago.

But it was that crisis that changed everything for the better, with Ramirez finding himself being in the right place at the right time about a year later. Prescribed a new drug that controlled his mental disorder, Ramirez, 44, felt ready to become a member of society. He began volunteering at The Key Clubhouse of South Florida, a facility that helps people with mental illnesses learn life skills, find jobs, and become meaningful members of society. There he met the Clubhouse’s executive director, Stephanie Solovei, who became a mentor to him.

Supporting The Key Clubhouse’s mission is The Able Trust, a state- funded initiative that seeks to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. Last March, The Able Trust awarded the Miami-based nonprofit a $32,000 grant.

For Ramirez, the Clubhouse came to represent a pivotal point in his Grant funds from The Able Trust enable Miami’s Key Clubhouse to life. The Key staff helped him apply for a job at Macy’s as the holidays impact the lives of citizens with mental illness in a positive way. approached, and he got a job as a sales associate. He started on Black Friday, one of the most stressful days to work in retail. He loved the job and was quickly promoted to holiday ambassador, a position that entrusted him with collecting and depositing money.

Then fate smiled on him again only a few months later while he was back at the Clubhouse as a volunteer and still working for Macy’s. Leading a group of Department of Children & Families (DCF) workers on a tour, Ramirez so impressed a DCF supervisor with his confidence and bilingual skills that she suggested he apply for a job with the state agency. He got a full-time position—his first professional job—handling complaints and reports on assisted-living facilities. He has been at DCF’s Miami office for a year.

“That makes me happy because I’m a contributor to society,” Ramirez said. “I’m empowered to do the things I couldn’t do in the past. I always had the will to work, but now I have the confidence to work with people. Confidence is the key.”

A 2010 Harris Interactive survey titled “The ADA, 20 Years Later,” found that only 21 percent of persons with disabilities aged 18–64 are employed full- or part-time, far below the 59 percent reported for persons without disabilities. Ensuring that the underrepresented disability community can find employment appropriate to their background and skills is a top priority ofThe Able Trust.

Florida Grantor 8 Grantee Spotlight - Creative Clay

by Guenevere Crum

n the Spring of 2012, Creative Clay, Inc. received a grant from The Able Trust to provide expanded supported employment oppor- Itunities for individuals interested in arts and art administration careers in the Pinellas County area. One such participant is Carolyn, who has attended Creative Clay’s weekly arts program for many years. She developed skills in creating small painted sculptures, and her work is featured in the commercial gallery at Creative Clay in St. Petersburg. She enjoys creating art, but has always expressed a desire to work with small children. She had an opportunity in the past to volunteer at a preschool, but soon discovered that finding employment in this field was difficult.

“Before coming to Creative Clay, I worked at a medical office cleaning bathrooms, and I didn’t like that. I don’t like to work alone. I also worked at a coffee shop cleaning up the bathrooms, mopping, sweeping, and doing dishes. And I didn’t like it because it was too much on me,” Carolyn said.

With funding from The Able Trust employment grant, Creative Clay employment specialists were able to place Carolyn as an assistant art teacher (with guest artist instructor Calan Ree) at the Imagine Charter School. In her new position, Carolyn is able to combine her artistic skills with her desire to work with children. Ree says Carolyn helps her keep an eye on the class, and lets her know if someone is misusing the materi- als. She also sorts and organizes art supplies, creates templates, helps with art presentations, and assists with the hanging of artwork.

“I’ve always wanted to work with children,” Carolyn told us. “It makes me feel very good that I am an artist and a teacher. It makes me feel good that I am helping the children. Knowing that I can get a job that pays me makes me very happy. It’s fun to get the pay for working with kids.” Creative Clay uses grant funding from The Able Trust to help clients like Carolyn make their employment dreams a reality. Creative Clay staff members have helped Carolyn develop a job descrip- tion and task list to assist her in maintaining focus and effectiveness on the job, and her Employment Specialist visits her weekly to ensure her role in the classroom is flowing smoothly. Carolyn’s teachers, family, and other supports are proud of her, and are encouraged to see her doing meaningful work that she finds satisfying.

“Carolyn is able to express herself better, and is more involved in what’s going on around her,” her mother, Mary, said. “She’s always wanted to work with children. That has been one of her goals for many years, so this job is the culmination of what she has been looking for.”

9 The Able Trust Grantee Spotlight: The Pepin Academies by Guenevere Crum

n the Summer of 2012, The Pepin Academies, Inc. of Tampa received a grant award from The Able Trust to work with students Ibetween the ages of 18 and 22 who have graduated high school with a special diploma or certificate of completion, and are transi- tioning into adult employment. Pepin Academies has distinguished itself by developing collaborative programs in their community, such as a training program with the Public Defender’s Office – 13th Judicial Circuit (which was previously funded with a grant from The Able Trust in 2008). Pepin has now developed a new work site with the Tampa Police Department, which allows students to learn on-site job skills and appropriate work behaviors in various areas at the police department, such as computer-related technology, office skills, and environmental services. Participants will also work on self-determination skills as they learn to navigate downtown Tampa, moving from classroom to job site between the Public Defender’s Office and Tampa Police Department, serving as staffers at both locations.

The Able Trust grant has provided supplemental support to the program in the form of an additional job coach and technology equipment. These items are essential in achieving the results that Pepin Academies and the Hillsbor- ough County Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are set on achieving for participants. As is often the case with a grant from The Able Trust, there was a gap between what was provided for in established funding resources, and what was needed to make the program successful for the participants. The technology and job coaching additions have made a huge difference for all the participants, Brandon in particular.

Brandon has been in the Pepin Transitional Program for three years, and in that time he has trained at four job sites. But he’s struggled with the matu- rity required to be successful at work. However, his most recent job site at the Tampa Police Department has resulted in a perfect fit. Pepin Academy staff have witnessed Brandon’s potential flourish, and his willingness to learn additional skills has changed to such an extent that he has become a leader among the other students.

“I like to stay busy and move around while working, so maintenance is a good fit for me,” Brandon said about his position in the maintenance depart- Thanks to the Pepin Transitional Program funded by The Able ment. Trust, clients like Brandon can gain valuable on-site job skills that will result in employment. Painting, changing light bulbs, and moving equipment are skills he has learned from his designated department mentor. When extra help around the department is needed, Maintenance Supervisor Dennis Wade calls on Bran- don to work on projects, like a recent assignment to paint a new roll call room.

“Trim work can be hard, but Dennis showed me how to properly use the brush and to use a rag to wipe up any mistakes while I’m painting,” Brandon said.

Brandon feels more confident in the new skills he is learning, and hopes to obtain full-time employment by the end of the academic year.

The Able Trust has awarded more than $30 million to grantees across the state of Florida, enabling thousands of Floridians with disabilities to enter the workforce each year.

Florida Grantor 10 The 2013 Florida Youth Leadership Forum - Empowerment, Education, Employment

by Ray Ford, Jr.

Planning for the 2013 Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is already underway.

Applications from high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities are coming in from all across the state in hopes of being selected to participate in this one-of-a-kind leadership event. The Able Trust will host the 14th Florida Youth Leadership Forum in Tallahassee, Florida from July 17-21, 2013. Fifty students will be invited to participate as delegates.

“After attending YLF last year, I’m going for bigger and better goals than I ever have,” 2012 delegate Naomi Frederick said. “I’m serving as the first president of my school’s inaugural Florida High School High Tech (HSHT) Program.”

The purpose of the YLF is to attract young people with disabilities who possess leadership potential, in hopes of honing that potential in preparation for the future. As a result, these students take leadership, citizenship, and social skills into their lives as they reach adulthood. Students will learn about business and dining etiquette, advocacy, college and careers; community service, and the various community, state, and federal resources available to them. Former delegates like Naomi are also sending in applications to return as Support Staff for YLF 2013. Having experienced the event first hand a year ago, these students see the importance of the program and want to serve as volunteers, helping a new crop of delegates learn the same lessons they did.

“I want to come back this year to let the new delegates know that everybody has their strengths and weaknesses; that everybody is not perfect,” 2012 delegate Lacesha Owens said. “But you can learn from other people’s disabilities and realize that when you’re at YLF you are not alone.”

For more information about YLF, visit www.floridaylf.org.

(from left to right) Delegates Keaunia and Heather raise their hands as they participate in a mock legislative session in the House Chambers of The Florida Capitol. Able Trust Chariman Richard Cole (right) addresses delegates on the importance of being leaders in their home communities.

(from left to right) Tallahassee Police Department Officers Oscar Brannon and Anitra Highland joined more than 20 career mentors at the annual career fair, emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering and math in their work. Afterwards, Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families & Florida’s Chief Operating Officer David Wilkins served as the keynote speaker for the annual mentors’ luncheon.

11 The Able Trust The Florida High School High Tech Program Improves Postsecondary Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities by Allison Chase

he Florida High School High Tech (HSHT) Program is committed to improving postsecondary outcomes for youth with disabili- Tties by setting high expectations; encouraging youth to consider technology-related careers; and promoting the involvement of family members and other caring adults.

Core features of the program – job shadowing, industry site visits, mentoring, and internships – are critical components that help students form postsecondary education and employment goals as they transition from school into the world of work.

The HSHT program is based on the five nationally-recognized, evidenced-based Guideposts for Success: School-Based Preparatory Experiences, Career Preparation & Work-Based Learning, Connecting Activities, Youth Leadership & Development, and Family Involvement & Supports. Research has shown that each guidepost is essential to what youth with disabilities need to succeed in adulthood.

The Florida HSHT Program operates in 35 sites throughout the state, including juvenile justice settings and a pilot foster care site.

Empowerment

HSHT helps youth to learn and practice independent and informed decision making for academic and career preparation. This is facilitated through program workshops, leadership development, and real-world work experiences including job shadowing and summer internships. During the summer of 2012, 192 students participated in summer internships, 85% of which were paid through a stipend by the employer, the HSHT program site, the local Workforce Development Board, or another community grant provider.

Education

During the 2011-2012 school year, the Florida HSHT Program served 1,549 students with disabilities in 35 Florida counties. Services were provided in 122 high schools and alternative education settings, including Department of Juvenile Justice facilities and a foster care pilot site. The Florida HSHT Program experienced a 1% high school drop-out rate for all seniors participating in the program.

Employment

Eighty percent of Florida HSHT graduates entered postsecondary education, continuing education, or employment upon graduation. In addition, 178 Florida HSHT students, representing all grades, secured employment through program services.

Florida Grantor 12 Make a Donation to The Able Trust

Because People Want to Work Make A Difference With Your Donation to The Able Trust! There are many ways you can support The Able Trust’s programs to make successful employment available to Floridians with disabilities, and a gift of any amount will make a difference. For general contributions in support of our youth, mentoring and grant programs, you may click the “Make a Donation” button on our website, www. AbleTrust.org, or mail your gift with the form below to: The Able Trust, 3320 Thomasville Road, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308-7906

Tax Deductible Donation Amount ($): Cash, Check or Credit Card Donations are Accepted. Please make checks payable to The Able Trust.

Is this donation (please check one): To honor someone In memory of someone For a special occasion

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Credit Card Type: Credit Card Number:

Credit Card Expiration Date: Credit Card CSV: E-mail: Please add me to The Able Trust’s email list mailing list (please check one or both).

Do you have questions about Able Trust giving opportunities, corporate sponsorships, or endowment and planned giving? Please feel free to contact Chief Development Director Kathryn McManus at [email protected] or 850-224-4493 x151. Thank you for your support!

The Able Trust’s mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has awarded more than $30 million in grants to nonprofit agencies throughout Florida for employment-related purposes, enabling thousands of Florida citizens of all ages with disabilities to enter the workforce each year. The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition for thousands of students with disabilities since its beginnings, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school.

For more information about The Able Trust visit www.abletrust.org.

The Able Trust is recognized as exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. Federal ID: 59-3052307. The Able Trust is registered with the Florida Division of Consumer Services as required by the Solicitation of Contributions Act (#CH957). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free in Florida: (800) 435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.

79 The13 The Able Able Trust Trust Disability Employment Awareness Month/Disability Mentoring Day A Win for Businesses - A Win for Jobseekers with Disabilities - A Win for Florida by Joseph D’Sousa

lorida celebrated its 11th Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) this past October. Businesses throughout the state Fopened their doors to students and job seekers with disabilities, giving them the opportunity to learn more about potential careers, while their hosts broadened their horizons about a largely untapped workforce. The goal of DEAM focuses on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, and in many cases DEAM serves as the initial point of dialogue between businesses, potential employers, and Floridians with disabilities. DEAM continues to be the catalyst for Florida’s inclusive workforce.

More than 40 Community Liaisons from across the state served as the vital link between students and job seekers with disabilities and businesses, setting up various DEAM events. This year, Community Liaisons embraced the importance of continuing DEAM events beyond October, holding events from September into December. As a result of their efforts, 2,625 students and job seekers with disabilities were able to visit job sites and take part in mentoring experiences at one of 353 participating businesses.

It is the goal of The Able Trust to ensure that DEAM is not pigeon-holed to one month out of the year, but becomes an ongoing movement.

Florida DEAM would not be possible without the generous financial support of Darden Restaurants, Publix Super Markets, Florida Power and Light, and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Corporate employers participating in DEAM activities statewide were: Darden Restaurants, Florida Power and Light, Publix Super Markets, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, CVS, Florida State Park System, and AmeriCorps.

QUICK FACTS “Thank you again for the opportunity to share a little bit about our industry with the graduating, and soon-to- graduate students of Hillsborough County. I look forward to this every year, and each time I learn something new.”

- Kaitlyn Roseman, International Ship Repair and Marine Services

l 2,625 mentees l 353 businesses serving as mentors “DEAM at Kennedy Space Center was

l 35 interviews set l 55 applications/resumes submitted a great success, thanks to everyone’s contributions.” l 6 internship/volunteering opportunities established

l 46 Community Liaisons l 60 held DEAM events - Helen P. Kane, Education Program Specialist, Kennedy Space Center l 143 DEAM related stories in newspapers and on the radio across the state

Florida Grantor 14 Pilot Program Helps St. Petersburg College Students with Disabilities Enter Workforce Able Trust Grant Funds Student Employment Project Initiative

ith a college degree in hand, WNicole St. Clair recently entered a job market that would look unwel- coming whether she had a disability or not. Fortunately, she didn’t have to go it alone in her search for employment. By St. Clair’s side was a mentor from St. Petersburg College’s nascent Student Employment Project, a program that helps students with disabilities find jobs that complement their degrees.

For St. Clair, who is hearing impaired, the relationship with Kelley Ferranti proved to be the key to success, helping her overcome barriers that often keep people with disabilities out of the workforce.

“Kelley went out to speak to companies on my behalf,” St. Clair said. “She would send me e-mails telling me what positions the companies said I was Kelley Ferranti (left), career placement specialist at St. Petersburg College, works with former student and qualified to seek. Then she helped me Student Employment Project member Nicole St. Clair (right) on her resume with my resumé and prepared me for interviews. She was fabulous; she went above and beyond.”

After four months of searching, St. Clair found a job as an enrollment specialist with Universal HealthCare. She processes requests for additional coverage. St. Clair hopes the position will lead to a long-term career at the company.

While at St. Petersburg College – from which she graduated last May with a bachelor’s degree in management and organizational leadership – St. Clair was among 60 students participating in the Student Employment Project. The program is funded by a three-year, $200,000 grant awarded by The Able Trust, a state-supported initiative that seeks to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. The Student Employment Project helps open doors and improves job opportunities for people with disabilities who have the education and skills required to succeed as professionals. The program provides students with disabilities “job placement specialists”, like Ferranti. The specialists help students write effective resumés and teach them interview skills. They also assist with identify- ing employment opportunities, as well as educating them on workplace behaviors.

“While I was looking for a job, Kelley and I met once a week to see how everything was going,” St. Clair said. “I got discouraged at times, and she told me it would take time and to be patient; that the right job would come along. Well, Kelley was right.”

15 The Able Trust (850) 224-4493VoiceorTDD Tallahassee, FL32308-7906 3320 ThomasvilleRoad,Suite200 The AbleTrust F 850-224-4493 lorida Memorial Gifts ways toremember yourlovedoneor of cashisoneofthesimplestA gift A MemorialGiftofCashor Property charitable trustplans. contact usformore informationon Please one. loved your of memory in The remainderpasses tousasagift sale ofyourappreciatedassets. on the year and avoid paying capital gains tax charitable deduction for your giftthis a receive You annually. or quarterly you canreceiveincomemonthly, trust, made tofundacharitableremainder for yourself. If your memorial gift is while providingcurrentlifeincome You may wish to make a memorial gift Life Income Make aDeductibleGiftandReceive options toconsider: for yearstocome.Hereareafew significance meaningful have will that gift inremembranceofsomeonespecial There are many ways for you to make a G ranTOR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED property tous. gift andthebestwaytotransferyour call ustodiscuss the treatmentofyour Please gifted. property of type the on real estate,yourdeductionmaydepend memorial gift ofappreciatedstockor can honorthem.Ifyouaremakinga to rememberandthebestwaythatwe wish you person the designate Please the valueofyourgifttoTheAbleTrust. friend. You receive a tax deduction for ing website at www.myabletrust.org. You may alsovisitourplannedgiv Trust at 850-224-4493. Please feel free to contact The Able Planned giving - Meetings Events & Upcoming of ContributionsAct. in compliancewith the FloridaSolicitation and organization 501(c)(3) nonprofit a is applicable IRSguidelines. TheAbleTrust Contributions aredeductibleaccording to Tallahassee, FL Youth LeadershipForum July 17-21,2013 Golden EagleGolf&CountryClub 2013 AbilityAwardsCeremony June 14,2013 Golden EagleGolf&CountryClub Meeting Able TrustBoardofDirectors June 14,2013 Orlando, FL Orlando MuseumofArt Able TrustAbilityCelebrationEvent March 9,2013 Orlando, FL Meeting Able TrustBoardofDirectors March 8,2013 ORGANIZATION Tallahassee FL U.S. Postage NONPROFIT Permit #390

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