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In a strong effort to promote community-centered economic opportunity, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava recently toured small businesses in the county that actively employ individuals with disabilities.
The event, held on Saturday, Oct. 18, is part of the mayor’s broader vision of creating an economy that works for everyone, including neighbors with disabilities.
The tour highlighted three local businesses that serve as models of disability employment: Our Ground Coffee Shop in Kendall, Beyond Links Marketplace in West Kendall, and No Limits Coffee Shop in West Miami-Dade. These businesses demonstrate how small enterprises can champion inclusion by providing meaningful employment opportunities to people with disabilities, while also enriching the local economy.
The tour was led by Brenda Lampon, the mayor’s Senior Advocate and Engagement Manager for Older Adults, Mental Health, and Disabilities, along with the broader engagement team and members of strive305. Together, they emphasized the importance of shifting focus in Miami-Dade’s workforce programs to better address the employment challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Miami-Dade County currently boasts a low overall unemployment rate of approximately 2.90 percent, which is one of the lowest in the region. However, this figure masks a significant disparity: the unemployment rate for people with disabilities in the county is roughly 15.6 percent, based on data from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. This gap highlights the critical need for targeted initiatives that promote job access and sustainability for people with disabilities.
At Our Ground Coffee Shop, the mayor and the engagement team observed how inclusive hiring practices positively impact both employees and customers. The shop employs individuals with diverse abilities, providing a welcoming environment where employees can develop skills and build confidence. The business has embraced diversity as a core value, fostering a workplace culture that benefits the entire community.
Beyond Links Marketplace, the second stop on the tour, showcased how a business can integrate people with disabilities into a variety of roles, including customer service and inventory management. This marketplace operates with a mission to uplift underserved populations and create pathways to economic independence through inclusive employment.
The final visit to No Limits Coffee Shop further highlighted the value of inclusive workplaces that empower people with disabilities. The coffee shop serves as a hub for community engagement and demonstrates how, with the right support and opportunities, individuals with disabilities can excel in dynamic, customer-facing positions.
The tour was more than a symbolic gesture; it represented a call to action for local businesses and organizations. By spotlighting companies that prioritize disability employment, the Mayor’s Office aims to inspire other employers in the region to reconsider their hiring practices and work toward reducing the unemployment gap for people with disabilities.
While there remains much work to be done, events like this signal progress toward the mayor’s vision of a Miami-Dade where everyone has an opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. Leadership, community collaboration, and awareness are critical to breaking down the systemic barriers that have long limited employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
As Miami-Dade continues to evolve, this focus on inclusive employment shows the potential to build a stronger, more diverse local economy. Through commitment and proactive policies, the goal of creating an economy that truly works for everyone, including neighbors with disabilities, is moving closer to reality.
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