STARability Foundation is honoring National Disability Employment Awareness Month by launching a new training opportunity for its vocational partners and other local businesses. Offered by STARability’s Career Services department, the specialized training provides an opportunity for businesses and their teams to better understand the various abilities that exist among the workforce and to learn best practices of inclusive employment and accessibility for all.

The Disability Inclusion Training is the result of formalizing existing efforts to educate and support STARability’s partners that offer vocational training and employment to participants enrolled in the organization’s programs. Built upon evidenced-based best practices, successful employment outcomes, insight from those with lived experiences and years of combined experience in the field, the training equips businesses with practical knowledge, actionable strategies and specific tools to support their employees with and without disabilities.

“We found that many employers were sharing similar concerns, but also wanted a chance to address specific questions and have a way to communicate our recommendations with their staff,” said Halley Kretschmer, director of career services at STARability. “This training can be customized based on group size, team structure, duration, availability and level of experience. When employers and their staff, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to learn alongside each other, everyone benefits.”

The Disability Inclusion Training is one of many initiatives that STARability has implemented to bring awareness to the benefits of attracting, hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. In addition to the training, the Career Services team has introduced a “menu” of opportunities for businesses to engage with work-minded STARability participants including a Reverse Job Fair, guest speaking and mock interviewer roles, and industry tours.

Through these opportunities, businesses have the chance to connect with highly qualified candidates and share industry knowledge, which helps participants determine their career paths and in-turn widens their talent pool. The menu offers various levels of commitment for businesses while contributing to the career development of the individuals that make up a significant portion of our local workforce. According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor, 22.5 percent of people with a disability were employed in 2023—the highest recorded ratio since comparable data was first collected in 2008.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed annually in October to celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to their communities, as well as America’s workplaces and economy. This year’s theme – “Access to Good Jobs for All” – aligns with STARability’s mission and commitment to ensuring everyone has access to good jobs, every month of every year, regardless of abilities.

STARability matches individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to supportive, inclusive employers. Through STARability’s career services, participants learn job skills, explore career opportunities and find employment with businesses and organizations that believe in their abilities.

“Inclusive employers are the foundation of our career services program and essential in supporting our mission,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We are proud to collaborate with these amazing businesses and organizations to create innovative and valuable opportunities for our STARs to grow, learn and become contributing members of the community. Our successful matches are made possible through life-transforming opportunities created by vocational partners that truly believe in our STARs.”

Currently, STARability partners with a variety of organizations for employment and training opportunities, including Air Bar Blowouts & Extensions, BCB Homes, Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria, Driftwood Garden Center, Germain Toyota of Naples, Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (CMON), Greater Naples Officials Association, Naples Senior Center, Outback Steakhouse, Pampered Pet Resorts, Paragon Pavilion Theater, Humane Society of Naples, Publix, Stofft Cooney Architects, 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. Career 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 Studio & Artisan Gifts, located in the Naples Design District.

To learn more about STARability’s employment services or how to become a vocational partner, visit STARability.org.

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.