Evansville Named an “Ability City”

(October 24, 2016) - Ability Indiana has designated the City of Evansville as an “Ability City”.  The designation recognizes the City’s long-standing commitment to supporting the employment of Hoosiers with disabilities at employment centers across the greater Evansville area.

“Employment centers like the Evansville Association for the Blind, and many others, are a critical part of this city’s economy,” said Karla Horrell, executive director of EAB.  “The City of Evansville, through its supportive policies and the participation of the business community, helps turn “disability” into “ability” for hundreds of our fellow Hoosiers every day.”
 
The Ability City designation is reflective of the larger effort to make Southwest Indiana businesses aware of the contributions that Hoosiers with disabilities make, by providing quality goods and services that help clients across the region. 
 
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. More than 80 area CEOs are meeting today to hear presentations on how employing Hoosiers with disabilities makes sense for their bottom line as well.
Mayor Lloyd Winnecke accepted the designation, only the second of its kind in Indiana, on behalf of all residents of Evansville.
 
“Anyone, regardless of their disability, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Mayor Winnecke.  “Ability Indiana brings together a willing and capable workforce with the needs of the business world to lift all Hoosiers through hard work and a can-do attitude.  I am proud that Evansville is now recognized as a leader in supporting employment for Hoosiers with disabilities.”
 
Ability Indiana, Inc.  is a 501 (c) authorized by state stature (IC 5-22-13) to give state and local government entities the mechanism to contract with employment centers without going through the public bidding process.  More information about Ability Indiana and its members’ products and services can be found at:  www.abilityin.org
 
Employment centers across Indiana belong to the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (INARF).  To find out more about INARF and its members, go to:  http://www.inarf.org/
 
The Evansville Association for the Blind is a not-for-profit organization committed to assisting disabled or disadvantaged persons, particularly the visually impaired, empowering them through diverse services to live and work in the community.  More information on EAB can be found at:  http://www.evansvilleblind.org/.