Michelle Dennard, CEO of CareerSource Florida 

Disability inclusion involves creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of any physical or mental challenges. This involves making education, transportation and employment available and accessible to people with disabilities.

As the state’s workforce policy and investment board, CareerSource Florida has a lead role in Florida’s implementation of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. I take this responsibility very seriously as president and CEO of CareerSource Florida, and as a Floridian who believes we all should have opportunities to achieve our full potential. This important federal law strengthens the emphasis on access to employment for people with disabilities, requiring enhanced collaboration with businesses and between organizations and agencies that help connect people with disabilities to education, training and support services that facilitate employment. 

By practicing inclusion in Florida’s workforce, we can help to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in everyday career and life activities and fulfilling their true potential. Inclusion aims to encourage Floridians with physical or mental impairments so that they too can hold jobs, raise families, compete in sporting competitions – wherever their dreams may lead them – and enjoy a rewarding life.

With more than one out of five Americans living with a disability, the time for awareness of inclusion in our workforce is now. By doing our part as business leaders and reducing the stigmas and stereotypes others have about disabilities, we are creating an environment that can provide the tools and resources needed for all seeking employment to succeed in Florida’s workforce.