The Arc of Palm Beach County is driving change through inclusion and innovation in the workplace to help people with disabilities live, learn, work and thrive. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the Arc invites the community to its inaugural Breaking Barriers Breakfast to learn about the vital role people with disabilities have in the nation’s workforce.
The Arc’s inaugural business breakfast will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. The breakfast aims to unite community leaders in promoting inclusive business practices and possibilities for all.
Guests will discover how people with disabilities can achieve belonging in the workplace and attain independence in their communities. They will also explore how inclusion is driving innovation, how forward-thinking businesses are enjoying success as thought leaders and how a diverse workforce leads to improved outcomes for businesses.
“At the Arc, we are dreaming big on behalf of children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with the families whom we are privileged to serve,” The Arc CEO & President Kimberly McCarten said. “We want to help the community explore a change in the way we see our workforce and find inspiration through diversity, and to join us in developing an inclusive environment in our businesses — one that celebrates the beauty and value in all of us.”
The Arc is hosting keynote speaker and professional development leader Dr. Alonzo Kelly to demonstrate how professional development platforms rooted in trust and diversity can help cultivate successful business cultures. Kelly is one of the nation’s top executive coaches who shapes the narrative on authentic relationships and creating a sense of belonging in the workforce and across our communities. “Now is the time for humility,” Kelly said. “If your conversation centered on ‘belonging’ does not result in new ideas, new concepts and new relationships, you are falling short of the opportunity to evolve.”
McCarten encouraged local businesses to get involved in this effort. “By embracing our unique qualities, we can and will turn challenges into opportunities for all,” she said. “If you ever considered leading a conversation on diversity of any kind, this event is where you need to be.”
For more information about the breakfast, or to RSVP, visit www.arcpbc.org/events.
