The Flagler County School Board on Sept. 23 adopted proclamations recognizing the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Week (per Florida statute) and October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month, and heard updates on district transition programs that partner with local employers.

Why it matters: The proclamations note the district’s obligation to inclusive education and public recognition of contributions by people with disabilities; district staff described ongoing efforts to expand transition‑to‑work opportunities for students with disabilities.

Dr. Kim Holliday read a proclamation that cited Section 1003.4205 of the Florida Statutes, which designates the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Week in public schools. The proclamation called for inclusive instruction, greater access and celebration of students with disabilities’ achievements.

District staff described several transition and employment initiatives. Officials said Project SEARCH is in its second year at AdventHealth Palm Coast; the Trail program operates a student‑run Trail Cafe at the engagement center and will hold a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on Oct. 17. The district credited partners including AdventHealth, Grand Villa Senior Living, Publix, the Flagler County Education Foundation and the ABLE Trust for supporting internships, job shadowing and career training.

Lisa Bortis (identified in the meeting as AdventHealth liaison), Jill Kulwicki (Project SEARCH teacher) and other transition staff participated in the presentation. The board received an overview of work‑based learning opportunities that aim to link classroom learning with employment, such as job coaching, internships and vocational rehabilitation services.

Actions and authorities: The board adopted proclamations recognizing Disability History and Awareness Week and Disability Employment Awareness Month during the Sept. 23 meeting. The reading of the disability history proclamation explicitly cited Florida Statute section 1003.4205. The proclamation recognizing Disability Employment Awareness Month referenced the 1988 federal designation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Clarifying details: Project SEARCH at AdventHealth is in its second year locally; Trail program participants will host a ribbon cutting on Oct. 17; the district highlighted that Trail participants have begun job shadowing at AdventHealth North. The proclamations were entered into the record as adopted by the board on Sept. 23. The meeting also named new ESE coordinator Jennifer Wright and described district ESE procedures and family‑engagement initiatives such as the ESE parent advisory and quarterly ESE newsletters.

Ending note: The board adopted the proclamations and the district highlighted tangible transition‑to‑work programs and community partnerships the board said will expand employment and post‑secondary options for students with disabilities.