We want to thank Saddlebrook Director of National Accounts and our Board of Directors member Alexis Dempsey Doyle, Ph.D., for being an outstanding host and sharing her perspective on the importance of supporting The Able Trust. Alexis's guidance and enthusiasm are tremendous assets to our organization.

Thanks also to Tammy Davis, who spoke about the impact the High School High Tech (HSHT) program had on her son R.D.’s pursuit of his career aspirations; and to Hillsborough HSHT alumnus Jethiel Morales and coordinator Miranda Ray, who provided examples of the career exploration opportunities available through the program. We appreciate the unique thoughts each speaker contributed to tell the story of our impact to a new audience! Click below to learn about our supporters.

We were thrilled to present Tina Pepin of the Pepin Family Foundation with The Able Trust’s Champion of Opportunity Award. Serving as the Foundation’s Executive Director, Tina and the Pepin family have a long history of supporting The Able Trust through hosting the High School High Tech (HSHT) program at the Pepin Academies, a network of schools for students with disabilities in the Tampa Bay area.

“I am honored to receive the Champion of Opportunity Award from The Able Trust,” said Pepin. “Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths and build a future they’re proud of. Through programs like High School High Tech and the incredible dedication of our HSHT coordinators, we are not just opening doors—we’re showing students what’s possible when they are believed in and supported.”

As parents of a student with a disability, Kathy and Jeremy Dold had concerns about their daughter achieving independence and succeeding after high school. When the Dolds learned about The Able Trust's youth programs after their daughter graduated, they knew they had found an organization that could help ease those worries for families in similar circumstances.

In their own words: "With the love and support from parents, grandparents and caregivers, and programs like High School High Tech and Futures in Focus, [students with disabilities] are empowered and enabled to succeed ... We are PROUD to support The Able Trust mission for others.”

A Class of 2020 graduate of Lincoln High School and the Leon County High School High Tech program, Zach Staubitz initially planned to enter the workforce after earning his diploma. However, his time in High School High Tech helped the scholar realize a college degree could help him strive for a more rewarding career.

Five years later, Zach has earned two associate’s degrees and is close to finishing his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University. He also serves in leadership roles in FSU’s Social Spear and Best Buddies organizations. Click below to learn more about how High School High Tech helped Zach find his new path.

Our most recent Census Update includes the latest information about Floridians with disabilities related to employment, educational attainment, income and more. For example, the report shows a steady and significant increase in employment of Floridians with disabilities from 2019 to 2023, but with only 23% of that population employed, there are still opportunities for improvement. The full update and highlights are available on our Research page.

The Able Trust recently refreshed our existing Student Impacts and Highlights page to showcase the activities and successes of High School High Tech students in each of five Florida regions. A list of each region's counties where the program is active is included to allow for easy navigation. Simply visit the regional hub page and choose which part of Florida you want to "visit" to learn more about our students!