APRIL 30, 2022 - Connectable Jax (2024)

APRIL 30, 2022

thank you TO MRS. WEAVER “Nothing is more empowering than the opportunity to be a productive citizen. Shopability highlights those businesses that opened the door to our neighbors and friends with intellectual and developmental differences, resulting in a win-win relationship for both the employer and the employee. I salute these forward thinkers, and hope others will grant similar opportunities.” - Delores Barr WeaverDelores Barr Weaver’s vision for Connectable and support of Shopability is anotherway her philanthropic footprint shapes the Northeast Florida community.We are grateful to Mrs. Weaver for her unyielding belief that our community isbetter when our friends with Autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual anddevelopmental differences (IDD) are valued for their intrinsic gifts and unique abilities– and are fully engaged in businesses, neighborhoods, schools, and congregations.These connections are, indeed, a win-win.Connectable is a movement that creates more meaningful connections with peoplewith intellectual and developmental differences in neighborhoods, businesses,schools and congregations in order to enrich our community as a whole. CONNECT ENGAGING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES 2

TABLE OF contentsAbout Shopability 4How To Participate 5Featured Business 6Your Next Best Employee 7Learn About IDDs 8Job Seeker Information 9Thank You Sponsors 10 “It is extremely important to VyStar as a whole that every individual in this community has the ability to work and earn an income as part of an organization in Northeast Florida.” Brian Wolfburg CEO, VyStar Credit Union 3

ABOUT SHOPabilityFrom restaurants to retail, to entertainment and more, over 150 businesses acrossJacksonville have become Connectable, providing employment opportunities forpeople with Autism, Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmentaldifferences (IDDs).Shopability Saturday is a citywide event inviting our entire community to celebratetheir inclusiveness by supporting these businesses on Saturday, March 6th.Visit the Shopability map, then shop, dine, or play on Shopability Saturday, March 6th.We encourage you to keep supporting these inclusive employers year-round. Findbusinesses to suit all your needs on the Shopability map. View interactive map at connectablejax.com/shopability 4

HOW TO participateChoose a business on the Shopability map to support. Dine-in, take-out, shop, or playon Shopability Saturday. #ShopabilityJax ContestTwo lucky winners will each receive a $100 Visa gift card. The more places you visit,the more chances to win. We will announce two lucky winners on Sunday, March 7th.HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:1. Visit any business on the Shopability map.2. Take a selfie in front of the business or snap a photo of what you purchased.3. Post your picture on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag,#ShopabillityJax – and tag @ConnectableJax for one entry to the drawing. “121 Financial Credit Union believes that every single individual in our community deserves the opportunity to maximize their potential and achieve as much independence as possible. We are honored to employ people with intellectual and developmental differences. 121 Financial hopes we can play a role in helping people achieve that independence while providing them with a job they can be proud of. Individuals like Colin are hardworking and exceptionally dedicated to their duties. Colin is an absolute delight to be around and our team is proud to have him as a colleague.” David Marovich, CEO, 121 Financial Credit Union 5

featured BUSINESSES We extend our sincere gratitude to these businesses, all of which are sharing the Shopability message. Thank you for being community leaders by valuing people of all abilities on your team.BUSINESS NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP121 Financial Credit Union 701 Riverside Park Pl Jacksonville FL 32204Auld & White Constructors 4168 Southpoint Pkwy #101 Jacksonville FL 32216Bruster's Ice Cream 12224 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville FL 32225Chick-fil-A (Marsh Landing Pkwy) 590 Marsh Landing Pkwy Jacksonville FL 32250Cruisers Grill 319 23rd Ave S Jacksonville Beach FL 32250Dick's Wings & Grill San Pablo 14286 Beach Blvd Jacksonville FL 32250Dunkin’ Donuts 8520 Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville FL 32256European Street Cafe 5500 Beach Blvd Jacksonville FL 32207European Street Cafe 992 Beach Blvd Jacksonville Beach FL 32250Firehouse Subs 4347 University Blvd Jacksonville FL 32216Firehouse Subs 13470 Beach Blvd Jacksonville FL 32224Hope's Closet - Arlington 651 Commerce Center Dr No. 200 Jacksonville FL 32225Hope's Closet - San Pablo 14286 Beach Blvd Ste 44 Jacksonville FL 32250Jacksonville Humane Society 8464 Beach Blvd Jacksonville FL 32216Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens 370 Zoo Pkwy Jacksonville FL 32218JAX Chamber 3 Independent Dr Jacksonville FL 32202Maple Street Biscuit Company 8358 Point Meadows Dr Jacksonville FL 32256MOCA 333 N. Laura St Jacksonville FL 32202MOSH 1025 Museum Cir Jacksonville FL 32207Pieology Pizzeria 4624 Town Crossing Dr Ste 125 Jacksonville FL 32246Pitney Bowes 8551 Westside Industrial Dr Jacksonville FL 32219Prime Car Wash 11860 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville FL 32223Prime Car Wash 14190 Beach Blvd Jacksonville FL 32250Selfie WRLD Jax 1112 San Jose Blvd Ste 25 Jacksonville FL 32223Spectrum Thrift Store 11018 Old Saint Augustine Rd Jacksonville FL 32257TIAA Bank 301 W. Bay St Jacksonville FL 32202VyStar Credit Union 76 S. Laura St Jacksonville FL 32202 “Providing opportunities in the community we live and work, ensures synergies to the health and well-being of our culture at Pitney Bowes. It also authenticates our efforts to Do the Right Thing, The Right Way!” Nate Polete General Manager, Pitney Bowes Postal Service 6

MEET YOUR NEXT best employee Richard | Firehouse Subs “I love you guys.” Richard began his career at Firehouse Subs six years ago as a sign holder outside the University Blvd restaurant and it is still his favorite part of the job today. Richard is so popular that motorist stop and take videos of his performance while he dances to his beats! Today his duties have expanded to food prep and customer service inside. His message to his coworkers is simple, “I love you, guys.”RAM is celebrating Shopability Richard, the feeling is mutual.Saturday by featuring localartists with IDDs from ArtWith Soul, an art enterprise ofNorth Florida School of SpecialEducation. Pick up a uniquepiece of art and learn howyou can become Connectableat their booth on ShopabilitySaturday. Chara | European Street Cafe Bryce | Publix “I love my job!” “My job is very important Chara performs many front to me. I love meeting new and back-of-house duties at people. The best part of my European Street on Beach job is talking to people while Boulevard as a trusted I bag their groceries. Please employee for over five years understand that sometimes now! She is proud to play a it may take me longer, but I part in creating an excellentTyler | Dick’s Wings San Pablo want to do it right.” -Bryce dining experience.“Thank you”Tyler’s parents, Chip and Teresa,own Dicks Wings San Pablo, Robbie | VyStar Credit Uniona job site for students with “I am glad VyStar Credit Union employs peopleAutism through a partnership with all abilities.”with Jacksonville School forAutism. Students portion Robbie loves everything about his job asmenu items to support the a Tower Host at VyStar Credit Union. Hekitchen staff as a part of their lights up when he talks about his coworkersvocational training. Chip and and appreciates the opportunity to growTeresa hope to give students, professionally while maintaining the employeelike their son, Tyler, the breakroom. Robbie is one of two VyStaropportunity to be productive employees who are uniquely able to bring aand engaged in community. positive attitude and hard work to the team. 7

did you KNOW? LEARNING ABOUT IDDS & THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGEABOUT IDDSIntellectual and developmental differences/disabilities (IDDs) begin at birth or inchildhood and can affect a person’s intellectual, physical and emotional development.People with IDDs may have challenges with both intellectual functioning andeveryday life skills.People with IDDs are like everyone else – they have unique interests, values, andpersonalities. They cherish their family and friends. Many are capable of contributingto the community.INTERACTING WITH SOMEONE WITH AN IDDBegin a conversation with someone with an IDD the same way you would with anynew acquaintance. You may just find a lifelong friendship. 1. Make eye contact and smile. 2. Open the conversation casually with “Hi, what’s your name?” 3. Find common interests as you converse.LANGUAGE MATTERSPeople-First LanguageMost experts agree that people-first language is the best practice when addressingsomeone with an IDD. For instance, instead of ‘Downs girl,’ we say ‘girl with Downsyndrome.’ This helps keep the focus on our shared humanity before we describewhat differentiates us.Differences v. DisabilitiesSince changing perceptions includes changing our dialogue, Connectable promotesthe use of language that directs attention to abilities. This also involves using theword “differences” in place of “disabilities” as it often is preferred by our friends withan IDD. Follow their lead and respect people in the way they wish to be identified.Find additional fact sheets, resources, and organizations that can help youconnect at ConnectableJax.com 8

information FOR EMPLOYERS & JOB SEEKERSEMPLOYERSHiring someone with an IDD can be an incredibly rewarding and research showsthat it can be a smart business decision too. They are usually reliable, productive,and energetic workers who can bring diversity and new perspectives to your team.If you are interested in becoming an inclusive employer, contact one of ouremployment partners to explore how they can help you identify suitable work withinyour organization, bring job applicants to interview, and provide full onboardingservices – all at no cost to your business.JOB SEEKERSIt is essential to begin your employment journey by enrolling with VocationalRehabilitation (VR), instead of simply reaching out to businesses directly. Youcan call Vocational Rehabilitation at 1-800-451-4327 to find your area office. Thisservice connects you with an experienced job coach provided by a local nonprofitemployment partner – and at no cost to you or your family. Your job coach willsupport you every step of the way in discovering your gifts, interviewing atbusinesses that match your interests, and providing on-the-job training afteryou are hired. “At JHS, we know that every member of our community can make a valuable contribution to our mission and are so grateful for the gifts of time and talent given by these individuals. By valuing inclusivity and diversity, we create a more compassionate community for pets and the people who love them.” Denise Deisler CEO, Jacksonville Humane Society “TIAA Bank is proud of our diverse workforce. Every one of our associates brings with them a variety of unique talents and abilities, which we celebrate. Our success – and our connections to our community and clients – is strengthened by our diversity, and we know our future success depends on continuing to build an inclusive and diverse team.” Amy Wagner TIAA Bank Executive Vice President, Head of Human Resources and Employment Law 9

THANK you! RECOGNITION OF NONPROFIT & COMMUNITY PARTNERS MADE POSSIBLE BY Community PARTNERS Nonprofit PARTNERS These nonprofits partnered to host Shopability in gratitude to the many business that provide employment, internships, and job sites for their clients and studentswith Autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental differences. Media PARTNERS 10