TAMPA, Fla. — October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize the positive impact people with disabilities have on the American workforce.
At The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa, there are all kinds of jobs, from scuba-diving tank cleaners to animal experts.
There are even people in place to welcome guests.
“Hello, welcome to The Florida Aquarium,” said Casey Watson.
Watson is doing this as part of his internship.
“I meet and greet guests and I say, ‘Hello,’ like this,” as he waves his hand with a smile.
Casey lives with a disability. He was connected to the internship through a partnership between The Florida Aquarium and Pepin Academies’ Transition Program.
“It’s just a great opportunity for them to gain that confidence, to know what they can do and to be able to show others, you know, the excellent work that they can put in,” said Pepin Academies Director of Transition Program Janele Kilbey.
The Transition Program is for students with learning disabilities. These are young adults, ages 18 to 22, who have deferred their diploma, but are looking to gain experience in a work environment.
There is a disparity in employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics shows the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 9.1% compared to 4.3% for people without disabilities.
“It’s such a sad statistic to see because they can work and they’re dedicated employees and we just need community members out there to give our students and our student population a chance to be able to prove themselves,” said Kilbey.
The Florida Aquarium is one of several Tampa Bay area businesses that know people with disabilities can add value to the workforce and the Tampa Bay economy.
“They’re the heartbeat of the aquarium,” said The Florida Aquarium Director of Volunteer Engagement Melissa Dude. “They’ve actually moved into paid positions with us, as a guest engagement personnel. They are hired there and then our cafe SSA is also very supportive of the program and hires on the students once they’ve graduated.”
Aidan McCollum is one of those part-time hires.
He is 21 years-old and often helps with lifting windows, cleaning tables and sorting cafe supplies at The Florida Aquarium.
“I think it’s awesome,” said McCollum. “It’s teaching me new skills.”
Skills he will add to his resume so that future employers can see his value and marketability.
Along with vocational training, the Transition Program students also spend one to two days a week with classroom instruction.
They work with job coaches to help with career preparation, social-emotional learning and self-advocacy.
Erin Murray
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