Jacksonville, Fl — The Jacksonville business community is encouraging you to shop and support businesses that employ individuals with intellectual and developmental differences like Autism and Down Syndrome.
This citywide event, now in its second year, will be Saturday, April 30.
More than 150 Jacksonville businesses are IDD-inclusive and can be found here.
Priscilla and Asa Maass own Selfie WRLD Jax, a business they started one year ago, as they have a 16-year-old daughter with Autism and want to employ individuals with IDDs.
LISTEN: Maass family employs people with IDDs
They are identified and celebrated by Connectable, a movement that creates more meaningful connections for people with intellectual and developmental differences in neighborhoods, businesses, schools and congregations in order to enrich our community as a whole.
Fernando Acosta Rua, President and CEO of Pet Paradise, explains how a large business utilizes people with IDDs in many ways.
LISTEN: Pet Paradise employs people with intellectual and developmental differences
Pet Paradise partners with the North Florida School of Special Education in several ways, including the Barkin Biscuit program, dog treats that are made at the school and sold at local stores.
Counting down to Shopability Saturday, April 30th! Shop, dine, and play at Jacksonville's inclusive businesses!
— ConnectableJax (@ConnectableJax) April 23, 2022
Find them on the Shopability map - https://t.co/IjfaocQVYU pic.twitter.com/Ddhji6vBTV
LISTEN: Betsy Zahn and Kit Thomas share their journey
Betsy Zahn and mother Kit Thomas share a story directly from a person with IDD tells the story direct from a person with IDD and her family member about what a difference working makes.
Betsy has an infectious smile. She adds value to her workplace, as does everyone with intellectual and developmental differences. Learn more about #ShopabilitySaturday: https://t.co/IdAi92eJwR@WOKVNews @ActionNewsJax @ConnectableJax pic.twitter.com/c9JYaUwS5y
— Rich Jones (@RichJonesJax) April 26, 2022
Jax Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis is a supporter of Connectable, and wants to make sure people who have intellectual and developmental differences don’t fall through the cracks. That is why he supports Shopability Saturday.
LISTEN: Jax Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis
LISTEN: Sarah Troupe with Connectable explains the movement to create better understanding
Listen to Jacksonville’s Morning News this week and next for stories of local businesses that employ people with Down Syndrome, Autism, and more.
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