Welcome to

Florida wants to lead the way in job creation for people with disabilities. As Matt Galka tells us, advocates say lawmakers took a good first step today.

Disability advocate J.R. Harding says it’s hard enough to get a job. Adding a disability to the equation makes it even tougher.

“Employment for persons with disabilities has always lagged behind employment for persons without disabilities,” he said.

Florida lawmakers intend to change that starting with state jobs.  A proposed bill sailed through its first committee.  It would require state agencies to set goals and make sure underrepresented groups are in their workforce.

Senator Jeremy Ring says if it’s used in the private sector it should be used at the state level.

“If we’re asking sometimes things like affirmative action we’ve asked private companies to do so and have certain rules, we should have the same from a Government entity,” said Sen. Ring.

The bill is a top priority of both the House Speaker and Senate President. Senate President Andy Gardiner has a personal connection to the issue. His son has down syndrome.

“I’ve talked a lot about the importance of us in Government not necessarily providing everything but really providing the pathway for individuals not with disabilities but individuals with unique abilities,” he said.

Harding says it’s a good first step for the state.

“Florida can do better, and this would be a step in the right direction to empower not only state government, but all companies to consider persons with disabilities as viable employees,” he said.

The bill would also set up internship and on the job training programs for people with disabilities. 2015 marks the 25^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities act, which prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities.