Empower

September 2026

Welcome to the September 2026 edition of The Able Trust's Empower newsletter. Read on to learn about exciting new developments in the world of disability employment, discover the latest outcomes of our High School High Tech youth program, and more!

Jobs Report: Disability Employment Rate Ties All-Time High

According to the latest National Trends in Disability Employment Jobs Report, the employment-to-population ratio for Americans with disabilities rose to 39.8% in August 2026, tying the previous all-time high of that metric reached in November 2025.

The employment-to-population ratio, which increased 1.5 percentage points over its July figure, indicates the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population in a given group. While disability employment is on the rise nationwide, challenges still exist for Floridians with disabilities.

Improving the odds for success in both today's and tomorrow's workforces should include vocational rehabilitation services such as postsecondary education exploration and counseling. Our modern workforce requires stronger skills and more training than ever. Research shows by 2031, 72% of U.S. jobs will require at least some level of postsecondary education--but high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and attainment rates of students with disabilities are lower than those of the general population. Vocational rehabilitation services can improve these overall success rates and increase the likelihood of individuals with disabilities attaining meaningful, rewarding careers.

While the rise in disability employment is encouraging, sustaining that progress means helping young people with disabilities prepare for a workforce that increasingly requires education, training and skills beyond high school. The Able Trust’s High School High Tech program for students with disabilities supports that preparation through career exploration, work-based learning, workplace readiness, self-advocacy and exposure to postsecondary education and training options. Click below to learn more about the role postsecondary education and training can play in preparing students for future employment.

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High School High Tech Posts Best-Ever Success Rates

In the 2025-26 school year, The Able Trust's High School High Tech (HSHT) program for students with disabilities achieved two all-time highs in its student outcomes.

While the program has posted a 99% high school graduation rate amongst participating senior students for several years--well above the statewide rate for all students with or without disabilities--The Able Trust is proud to report 100% of eligible HSHT seniors crossed the graduation stage in 2026.

The successes did not end there. An astonishing 77% of Class of 2026 HSHT graduates indicated they plan to continue their education at a state college, technical school or university; enter a professional apprenticeship program; or pursue other postsecondary training. This is a sixteen percentage point increase over last year's rate of alumni interest in further education and training.

"These outstanding results testify to the dedication of our High School High Tech program partners, staff, parents and students alike," said Coleen Agner, HSHT state director. "The training and experiences offered through this program have both immediate and long-lasting positive impacts for students. We are all excited to see what our alumni accomplish as they continue their work toward becoming successful members of Florida's future workforce."

High School High Tech Main Page

The Able Trust Receives Grant from Capital City Bank

The Able Trust was thrilled to receive a $3,000 grant from the Capital City Bank Foundation to support the High School High Tech program in Taylor County. This investment directly supports a student's full participation in HSHT for one year, helping the student to develop a clear plan and the skills needed to continue into postsecondary education and ultimately succeed in the workforce.

Capital City Bank Regional Executive Don May visited our offices recently to contribute this gift to our President and CEO Allison Chase and VP of Development and Marketing Donna Wright. We are grateful to Don and Capital City Bank for their continued friendship and partnership as a longtime supporter of our mission.

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HSHT Student and Alumni Stories: Meet Kiersten

"High School High Tech gave Kiersten hope, guidance, and the tools and confidence she needed to prepare for college. It's helped her with the whole process."

Jennifer McCans remembers the discussion where she learned about her daughter Kiersten’s visual disability like it was yesterday.

“We were told by a doctor when Kiersten was three months old that she had ocular albinism,” she said. “He told us everything that she would not do. I just sat and cried.”

After a follow-up consultation, Jennifer got Kiersten involved in community programs for children with disabilities and sought out resources to help mainstream her daughter in elementary school. But by the time Kiersten reached high school, she was still shy and uncertain about what her future would look like.

Kiersten began to overcome both of those struggles when she joined Wakulla County’s High School High Tech program. Today, she is in her second year as an elementary education major at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. Check out Kiersten's story to learn how she plans to pay it forward in her future career.

Read Kiersten's Story

A Brighter Future for Floridians with Disabilities

Invest in Florida's Future Workforce

We at The Able Trust believe in the power of opportunity. For more than three decades, we have built a statewide community of partners who believe in our goals to expand education and career pathways for Floridians with disabilities.

Giving through The Able Trust helps to strengthen Florida's capacity to support people with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and succeeding in meaningful employment. Gifts remain in Florida and support programs, partnerships, research, training, and other efforts that improve how the broader employment system serves people with disabilities. We invite you to become a partner in our mission.

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The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, is a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Florida Legislature in 1990 as a direct support organization for the

Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Its mission is to advance employment for Floridians with disabilities through engagement, investment, and collaboration.