By Erickson Joseph, News 20 at Five

Florida honored seven businesses today for “being exceptional employers of people with disabilities.”

There are more than two million Florida residents age 16 and over who have a disability. Less than 20 percent of them are employed.

Vocational rehabilitation is a federal state program that helps those who are disabled find employment.

The businesses honored are: Baptist Health South Florida in Miami, Habitat for Humanity in Pasco County, Mangrove Mike’s Café in Islamorada, Miller’s Ale House in Daytona Beach, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Universal Orlando Resort, and Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center in St. Pete.

Vocational Rehabilitation, The agency for persons with disabilities and the Division of Blind Services sponsored the event. In addition to being employers of disabled individuals, these businesses were recognized for educating other employers about the many positive benefits of doing so.