STARability Foundation is proud to announce it is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
“STARability is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year’s theme, STARability is recognizing its employment partners. STARability thoughtfully matches individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to supportive, inclusive employers to learn job skills, explore career opportunities and find employment with businesses that believe in their abilities.
“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages—during October and throughout the year—by visiting dol.gov/NDEAM. Currently, STARability partners with a variety of organizations for employment opportunities, including Air Bar Blowouts & Extensions, BCB Homes, Collier County Parks & Recreation, Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria, Driftwood Garden Center, Germain Lincoln of Naples, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), Greater Naples Officials Association, Baker Senior Center Naples, Outback Steakhouse, Pampered Pet Resorts, Paragon Pavilion, Publix, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Seed to Table, Stofft Cooney Architects, Structure Medical, THRIVEability Community Garden, and Winfield Street Coffee.
As an approved provider for the Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation, STARability offers job readiness services and connects individuals with local employers and job training sites, providing comprehensive services such as a skill and interest inventory, interview preparation and onsite job coaching. Vocational Services are available to all STAR participants and Vocational Rehabilitation clients seeking community employment. Additionally, STARability employs participants at both its main office and its STAR Store & Studio, located in the Naples Design District.
