October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to honor the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is a reminder of the contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace every day – qualities that strengthen businesses, communities and local economies.
People with disabilities bring unique talents, perspectives and problem-solving skills that enrich the workplace and strengthen our communities.
Regions proudly supports nonprofits across the footprint who are dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities and providing essential workforce readiness training for people with disabilities. Together, we’re working to ensure that every individual has the chance to succeed, grow and thrive in their career.
“People with disabilities bring unique talents, perspectives and problem-solving skills that enrich the workplace and strengthen our communities,” said Schiela Peña, head of Disability Services and Outreach at Regions.
“By partnering with organizations that champion employment, training and self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities, we’re helping build a workforce where everyone has the opportunity to thrive – not just through support but by empowering people to advocate for themselves and move toward greater self-sufficiency.”
Indianapolis
Peña, along with Heidi Leonard, Regions Government and Institutional banker, and Sarah Young, Next Step Financial Wellness program manager, have cultivated a solid and evolving relationship with the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health, a local organization dedicated to advancing employment opportunities for college students with physical disabilities. The Center aims to remove barriers and create pathways to meaningful careers.
One of the most impactful ways the Fehribach Center does this is through paid internships – a critical resource for students with disabilities, who often face disproportionate unemployment after graduation. The Center matches students with employers for an eight-week, full-time internship aligned with their academic majors.
Interns receive support in implementing workplace accommodations and participate in weekly professional development workshops covering topics like workplace disclosure, financial literacy, and leadership development.
To further support these efforts, Regions has hosted financial wellness seminars for interns and continues to engage in collaborative conversations with the Center to expand its impact.
The results speak volumes: 94.5 percent of interns have graduated and either found employment or continued their education. Of those entering the job market, 91 percent have secured employment, and 21 individuals have been hired full-time by Indianapolis-area companies where they interned.
Miami
Another Regions community partner, Goodwill of South Florida, provides comprehensive, no-cost job training programs for people with disabilities. The Skill-building, Training, Empowerment, and a Pathway Forward (STEP) program offers career readiness support for youth with disabilities. Through site visits, workshops and internships, participants gain exposure to various industries and build essential skills like communication, digital literacy, and problem-solving.
The program uses the Opportunity Accelerator™ framework to guide students through personalized career plans in a supportive environment. With hands-on experience and mentorship, STEP helps young people gain confidence, independence and a clear path toward meaningful employment after high school.
Goodwill of South Florida also provides a Vocational Rehabilitation program, which is designed to help individuals with emotional, physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the skills and confidence they need to achieve independence. Through structured training, hands-on work experience and personalized support, participants develop the tools to build a fulfilling and self-sufficient life.
Goodwill Industries of South Florida creates lasting change by helping people with disabilities gain the skills, training and support needed to achieve independence.”
Hanai Sablich, Regions Community Relations leader, facilitates the collaboration between the two organizations. Along with the job training programs, another initiative she’s proud to support is the Spirit of Goodwill Band, a music program that improves social and recreational skills, community integration and personal adjustments for people with disabilities.
Sablich worked closely with Regions Financial Education trainers to coordinate financial wellness sessions for more than 100 Goodwill of South Florida employees while local Regions associates provide additional support. Plans are underway for additional sessions, including a course on helping protect people from identity theft.
“Goodwill Industries of South Florida creates lasting change by helping people with disabilities gain the skills, training and support needed to achieve independence,” Sablich said. “Their work strengthens our community and directly supports Regions’ strategic priorities of economic and community development, education and workforce readiness and financial wellness – empowering individuals and driving inclusive growth.”
Knoxville
Special Growers is a truly special place nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where individuals with disabilities gain hands-on job skills, build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers. The organization employs 40 year-round staff members with disabilities who grow, harvest and deliver fresh herbs and flowers to local restaurants.
Beyond employment, Special Growers offers job training, a summer work program and school-based work study. The summer program pairs participants with student interns for real-world experience, while partnerships with four local high schools help students in Special Education transition into the workforce.
Special Growers is a truly unique organization, and we’re proud to stand behind their mission.
Regions’ Knoxville Impact Network has supported Special Growers through volunteer events, with more collaboration planned. “Special Growers is a truly unique organization, and we’re proud to stand behind their mission,” said Yolanda Hollingsworth, Community Relations Officer. “It’s inspiring to see the pride and dedication their staff brings to this hands-on work – work that empowers individuals and benefits the local business community.”
St. Louis
Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation have a longstanding relationship with the Starkloff Disability Institute, a St. Louis-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities.
The Regions Foundation – a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank – supports organizations that promote education, workforce development, financial wellness and economic and community development. Recently, the Foundation awarded grant funding to Starkloff’s Access to a Dream workforce development programs, which help youth with disabilities build confidence, embrace their identities and prepare for meaningful careers.
“Regions Foundation’s support of Dream Big Career Camp is an investment in future leaders with disabilities in our community,” said Aimee Wehmeier, Chief Development Officer of Starkloff Disability Institute. “By spending time at leading St. Louis corporations and exploring careers in STEM, youth with disabilities are reimagining their future with confidence.”
Regions Bank has supported the institute through board leadership and, according to Schiela Peña, continues to explore new ways to deepen its impact, including providing tailored financial wellness sessions through the award-winning Money Basics For Life curriculum.
As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, Regions remains committed to supporting the disability community while helping individuals build meaningful careers – one community partnership at a time.
“When we invest in people, we invest in possibility,” Peña said. “The impact goes far beyond the workplace – it strengthens families, communities and futures.”