Cupcakes. That’s the first thing ACLD’s Sayville resident James Triolo wants to bake in his new kitchen. When

employees from Home Depot’s Bay Shore store found out that the home that James shares with five other ACLD residents was in need of some updating, it took no time for the nation’s largest home improvement chain’s “Team Depot” volunteer group to step in and take charge.

Team Depot volunteers began the demolition of the home’s existing kitchen in August and over $22,000 worth of improvements, updates and volunteer time were put into the Sayville home. The three-week work period included demolition of existing cabinets and countertops, then refacing the cabinets and installing new appliances, hardware, a sink, silestone countertops and carpeting in the living room. All six residents were instrumental in the selection of materials.

The facelift was paid for through donated Continued on page 2

Volume 4, Number 1 | Winter 2018 | www.acld.org

materials and gift cards for the purchase of the appliances as well as the donated time and labor of Team Depot volunteers through the Home Depot Foundation.

“Home Depot is a corporate partner that appreciates and understands the services we

Home Depot Shows Compassion and Construction in Sayville

R . ewearAble Program struck a pose within the world-famous window display at Saks’ flagship 5th Avenue

location this summer. Beginning the last week of July, out-of-stock merchandise and donated clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue employees were collected and made visible to the

public in five windows adorned with the RewearAble logo.

The mountain of clothing, which was a collaboration from Saks Fifth Avenue and the French fashion designer, Vetements, served as a call to action to recycle and not waste while also bringing awareness to ACLD’s RewearAble Program that provides sustainable employment to the developmentally disabled. On the final day

of the showcase, RewearAble employees and a handful of ACLD staff took a trip to New York City to see the display, where a photographer and videographer were on hand to capture the day. RewearAble staff were interviewed on camera, sharing the pride of having meaningful employment. The video, produced and donated by Progressive Marketing Group, was presented at ACLD’s Enviable Life Ball.

“A highlight of my career here at ACLD,” said ACLD Executive Director, Robert C. Goldsmith on what the day meant to him. “Seeing the smiles on our developmentally disabled employees’ faces told me that we are indeed creating enviable lives.”

The Sayville Residents show their appreciation to Home Depot. From left to right: James Triolo, Doris Okula, Kathy Selvaggi, John Francis, Thomas Herpich and Richard Hudson.

RewearAble and ACLD staff gather in front of the Vetements window display at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The RewearAble logo adorns a window at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship Manhattan store.

RewearAble Program Strikes a Pose on 5th Avenue

WHAT’S INSIDE:

PAGE 1• RewearAble at Saks• Team Depot Volunteers

PAGE 2• A Candid Look at

Autism

PAGE 3• Comcast Cares Day

PAGE 4• Splashes of Hope• #Moments4Smiles

PAGE 5• Sibling Network• Staff Recognition• Aspire Higher• Koi Pond Makeover

PAGE 6• Imagine Award• Executive Circle Honor

PAGE 7• Night at the Museum• Employee Recognition

Breakfast

PAGE 8• John’s Crazy Socks

On behalf of ACLD, I participated in The Long Island Library Conference to speak about my personal experiences with living with autism. Along with my fellow participant, Michael Werner, leaders from different libraries throughout Long Island joined the event that was held in May at the Marriott in Melville and had over 50 people in attendance. The workshop, which was moderated by ACLD’s Assistant Director of Vocational Services, Jeanie Shelton-Clyne, offered insight, ideas and resources about autism that would help local communities better understand people who live with autism and what it means to have autism.

I worked along with Michael Werner, a writer who presented his children’s book called Aspey’s Adventures with Asperger’s. The book tells the story of a dinosaur who demonstrates some of the basic struggles and habits of being on the autism spectrum (e.g., being sensitive to sounds, picky eater, short temper, difficulty expressing basic feelings, etc.). Michael and his book gave a helpful visual understanding to the librarians in

regards to the experience of growing up with autism, as well as presenting a good children’s book for their libraries to have.

I gave more specific non-visual information on autism, using my own life experiences

to give understanding. One key piece of information I explained was the

emotional struggles one goes through with autism. I explained the challenge to express his/her emotions and feelings accurately without getting frustrated or upset. Another important part of my presentation was sharing

the struggles with social interaction – feeling like an outcast and experiencing difficulty creating solid friendships within your own age group.

The librarians at the conference were enlightened by new information Michael and I shared and were interested in having us present future lectures at other local libraries to continue to educate their communities on a personal level. We provided a selection of books that covered several age groups for libraries to use.

The event was fun to do and was something I wanted to do since I love to do public speaking. I hope to be able to do more events like this in the future.

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A Candid Look at Autism

provide as a non-profit agency,” said Robert C. Goldsmith, Executive Director of ACLD. “Their employees recognize the value of supporting individuals with disabilities in their community, and we are grateful to Team Depot volunteers who donated their time to make this a reality for our residents.”

“It’s fulfilling for all the members of our team to be out in the community and making a difference. ACLD is an organization that is committed to assisting people with disabilities to live happy and productive lives. What is most important is that our volunteer efforts and donated materials will make a real impact on the people who live here,” said Christina Cornell of Home Depot’s Team Depot.

ACLD and Home Depot have a longstanding relationship. Home Depot has supported

ACLD’s vocational program by providing work opportunities for dozens of people that ACLD supports over the years.

The project was completed in early September and Home Depot volunteers will host a special “reveal ceremony” where residents, family and ACLD staff will have the chance to see the completed project and enjoy a celebration party immediately afterwards – and, of course, cupcakes will be served!

Home Depot Shows Compassion and Construction in Sayville

Continued from page 1

Jonathan Civardi and Michael Werner were proud presenters at The Long Island Library Conference.

From left to right: Sales Manager, Home Depot East, Michael DeGennaro; Customer Order Specialist, Home Depot Bay Shore, Bruce Stern; Customer Order Specialist, Home Depot Bay Shore, Craig Boorum; Store Manager, Home Depot Syosset, Jayson Drucker.

By Jonathan Civardi - Staff ReporterVolume 4, Number 1

Winter 2018www.acld.org

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What do you get when you put together 50 NBCUniversal employees, four ACLD residences and 16 years of community service? A day that adds up to signify an incredible volunteer effort and a magnitude of appreciation.

On Saturday, April 22 staff from Comcast NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales Team volunteered their time and talents to beautify ACLD’s Dix Hills, Huntington Station, Deer Park and Huntington residences as part of Comcast Cares Day, an initiative in its 16th year promoted by the media giant that gives back to the local communities where their employees live and work. The volunteers, most of whom traveled from Manhattan, spent the morning and afternoon gardening and cleaning up the garden beds at each of the homes.

“We are grateful for Comcast NBCUniversal’s enthusiastic volunteers who donated their time to make the homes of the people we support an even more beautiful place to live,” said ACLD Executive Director, Robert C. Goldsmith.

“As we celebrated our 16th annual Comcast Cares Day, we were proud to partner with ACLD to give back to our community,” said Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships for NBCUniversal. “It’s truly amazing what’s possible when 50 volunteers donate their time

to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m inspired by the community’s response to Comcast Cares Day, and I am thankful for the participants who helped to make this effort a success.” Yaccarino also serves as a member of ACLD Foundation Board of Directors.

Comcast Cares Day began in 2001 with 6,100 volunteers helping to improve about 100 community sites. For the third consecutive year, more than 100,000 volunteers worldwide – including employees, along with their families and friends and non-profit partners – turned out to beautify neighborhoods, spruce up schools, plant trees, stock food banks and much more at 1,000 local projects in 23 countries.

Keith Breuninger, a resident of one of the homes that the Comcast NBCUniversal volunteers worked at was very thankful.

“This is awesome! Our home looks great with all of the new flowers,” said Breuninger.

His father, Rich Breuninger, First Vice President of ACLD Board of Trustees, added, “It was a wonderful experience for all of us. I think many of the volunteers learned a great deal about people with developmental disabilities, and they

really enjoyed planting alongside the residents of the homes.

They have made a beautiful contribution to the homes

in more than one way.”

Comcast Cares for ACLD

Comcast NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales Team, ACLD staff and residents came together for Comcast Cares Day.

Rakes, shovels and smiles were all the tools needed for this group of Comcast volunteers.

ACLD resident Keith Breuninger with his cousin, Linda Yaccarino, ACLD Foundation Board Member and Chairman of Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships for NBCUniversal.

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Smile, It’s Good For You

#M

omen

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Smile

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Did you know that a smile helps boost your immune system? A smile relieves stress. And it’s easier to smile than it is to frown. Partnering with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), ACLD held a press conference this spring to launch the new social media campaign #Moments4Smiles. #Moments4Smiles is a movement to bring global awareness to the fact that all humans are very much alike. And another fact about smiles, differently-abled or not, a SMILE is universal.

“We all share similar life experiences, both big and small, that bring us enjoyment and make us smile,” said Donna Celardo, Director of Day and Community Services. “A smile is a universal expression of contentment!”

The campaign announcement was made at FREE’s annual Advocacy and Disability Awareness Conference. The goal of the conference was to help the community that both ACLD and FREE serve to learn about themselves, be able to express their own opinions, and obtain information and

resources necessary to make choices that lead to positive change in their own lives and on behalf of those who are unable to speak for themselves.

The event was attended by over 100 members of the special needs community, including Meryl Jackelow, member of ACLD’s Board of Trustees, who shared a simple take away message from the day, “Treat others how you would like to be treated yourself.”

To share your own moments that make you smile, post a picture on ACLD’s Facebook page and use #Moments4Smiles.

Volume 4, Number 1Winter 2018

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There are new splashes of color at the Spiegel Children’s Center thanks to Splashes of Hope, a non-profit public charity dedicated to transforming the environments of hospitals, healthcare centers and social service facilities with custom-designed, hand-painted murals. The three new spectacular murals were unveiled this October and were part of a project sponsored by the Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation that began this spring in the after-school recreation room.

“We are very grateful to the Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation and the talented artists at Splashes of Hope for their generosity and creativity,” said Noreen Clemens, Principal of ACLD Children’s Services.

Sarah Baecher, Creative Director at Splashes of Hope, Splashes of Hope Board President, Mel Weinzimer and Spiegel Children’s Center student, (center) Delaney Conlon.

Meryl Jackelow, member of ACLD’s Board of Trustees, is all #Moments4Smiles.

New Splashes of Color at the Spiegel Children’s Center

Council on Quality and Leadership Update

Winter 2018

CQL News

CQL Factor 1 has been busy promoting Rights and Responsibilities Education and preparing trainings for people supported. A proactive approach to rights begins with the belief that people with disabilities have the same rights as all people, and that with assistance, they can and will exercise those rights! Some of the trainings created are Privacy and Access to my Records, Freedom of Religion and Right to Medical Care Services.

CQL Factor 2 – Dignity & RespectWorkgroup Leaders: Scott Bradshaw – Associate Director of ACLD’s Center for LearningSusan Reed – Assistant Director of Community Based Services

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The overriding goal of CQL Factor 2 is to ensure that Dignity and Respect are displayed in all interactions between ACLD staff and the men and women we support. This workgroup has been reviewing ACLD’s use of language, both spoken and written, in all agency communications. Our goal is to help ACLD transition towards the use of more person-first language by phasing out the use of dated terms like “consumer” and “individual” and replacing them with “person supported” or “people we support.” A Dignity and Respect Blue Ribbon Pledge activity was created in July with people supported and staff members enthusiastically participating across all programs.

Straight Path IRA T-Shirts Westbury BRIDGES Dignity and Respect

Darren Jones and Keri Hayes of Hauppauge OASIS

Stay tuned for additional Rights and Responsibilities trainings on Freedom to Vote, Freedom from Abuse and Freedom of Speech – Expressing My Opinion and Making Decisions.

CQL Factor 1 – Rights Promotion & ProtectionWorkgroup Leaders:Roseanne Tast – Administrator Quality EnhancementLinda Gentile – Residential Administrator

2Dignity

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For an Enviable Life

IN THIS ISSUE:

PAGE 1• CQL Factor 1 - Rights

Promotion & Protection• CQL Factor 2 - Dignity &

Respect

PAGE 2• CQL Factor 3 - Natural

Support Networks• CQL Factor 4 - Protection

from Abuse• CQL Factor 5 - Best

Possible Health

PAGE 3• CQL Factor 6 - Safe

Environments• CQL Factor 7 - Staff

Resources & Supports• CQL Factor 8a-b - Positive

Services & Supports

PAGE 4• CQL Factor 9 - Continuity

& Personal Security• CQL Factor 10 - ACLD

Basic Assurances Monitoring Plan

• Personal Outcome Measure Interviews™

CQL Factor 3 – Natural Support NetworksWorkgroup Leaders:Donna Celardo – Director of Day and Community Support ServicesAnastasia Brillis – Director of Residential Services

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It is our job at ACLD to build, maintain and enhance Natural Support Networks for the men and women we support. It is our responsibility to encourage, advocate and be the bridge for nurturing these Family Connections. ACLD Day Service Programs hosted Family Meetings to strengthen the connection with our families, share information and create a forum for Natural Supports to network with each other. This workgroup is also taking steps to organize a Sibling Network at ACLD! Our plan is to enable siblings to gather together in a relaxing atmosphere to share stories and connect with other siblings. ACLD hosted a Sibling Network Open House Brunch on Sunday, October 8. The brunch was attended by over 30 siblings from across the agency. Our next Sibling Network meeting will be January 21, 2018 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Fay J. Lindner Building large training room (807 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage). Please join us. For more information or to RSVP (by January 17), please contact Sharon Geiselmann at geiselmanns@acld.org or (516) 336-5909, ext. 313.

CQL Factor 4 – Protection from AbuseWorkgroup Leaders:Sabine Maynard – Assistant Director of Regulatory AffairsValerie Stolper – Senior Incident Management Analyst

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PROTECT, PREVENT, PRESERVEThis workgroup has turned its attention toward education with the full understanding that you cannot prevent abuse unless you understand what abuse is. Our goal is not only to educate staff about their responsibilities as mandated agency reporters, but also to empower the people we support to stand up for themselves and others in abusive situations. Our motto is “Knowledge is Power.” In that spirit, we have been working to revise and expand the training provided to both new and veteran staff members regarding Abuse Reporting and Prevention as well as creating a curriculum on Abuse for the people receiving supports through Adult Services. Additionally, the CQL Factor 4 team is looking to revise the agency’s procedure for addressing and logging grievances to ensure that concerns are resolved swiftly. This effort will also result in the recognition of potential grievance trends. Abuse can be prevented if we all do our part. Let’s work together to put an end to abuse!

CQL Factor 5 – Best Possible HealthWorkgroup Leaders:Faith Mazzone – Director of NursingDenise Hartman – Residential RN Supervisor

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Our nutritionists, Harriet Nunez and Gina Benci, have been busy rolling out the Build-A-Meal Program for the men and women we support in our Residential Program. Build-A-Meal’s goal is to provide a guideline for portion sizes of a balanced meal. This will enable the people we support to better meet their nutritional needs and promote their best possible health. Build-A-Meal was developed using MyPlate Guidelines, an easy to follow approach that will not only promote healthy weight but also offer healthy food choices when deciding on a meal. Our nutritionists conducted two interactive Healthy Living/Healthy Nutrition Empowerment Seminars in August (Best Possible Health Month) for the people we support and soon will be conducting the same training for ACLD staff. Thank you Harriet and Gina for treating people supported with dignity and respect.

Robert Ciatto, Chief Operating Officer, Speaks at Levittown BRIDGES Day Center-Based Family Meeting

Elise Weinstein at the Abuse Prevention Training Workshop

Ronni Meyers, President of Speak Out Council

Harriet Nunez, Nutritionist, Conducting Healthy Living/Healthy Nutrition Workshop

CQL Factor 6 – Safe EnvironmentsWorkgroup Leaders: Richard VanDyke – Director of Business OperationsNicole George – Assistant Director of Residential Services

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This workgroup believes that people supported should be actively involved in the physical plant inspection process across all environments. Men and women we support, who live in ACLD’s residences and attend our Day Programs, should take a leadership role in evaluating the safety of the environments they live, work and recreate in. Safety checklists have been created for residences and day programs so people supported can routinely inspect the safety of their own environments. In celebration of October being designated Safety Month, an empowerment seminar on a variety of safety topics such as internet and cell phone safety was held.

CQL Factor 7 – Staff Resources & SupportsWorkgroup Leaders: Barbara Nichols – Director of Human ResourcesAlex Cohen – Employee Relations Manager

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“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” - John C. Maxwell

This workgroup has revised ACLD’s prospective new hire applicant materials to include information on CQL philosophy as well as an overview of the CQL Basic Assurances. Job descriptions and performance evaluations have been amended to include CQL language

which highlights the importance and focus of the Basic Assurances and the building of social capital. Involving the people we support in the agency’s recruitment function has been a main objective, and multiple training sessions have been conducted to educate and empower men and women on honing their interview skills. This workgroup is collaborating with representatives from other CQL Basic Assurance Factor workgroups to create a CQL Leadership Awards Recognition Committee. This committee is tasked with obtaining feedback and data from current ACLD employees on the creation of new employee recognition awards as well as refining our current recognition awards.

CQL Factor 8a-b – Positive Services & SupportsWorkgroup Leaders: Nicole Richardson – Assistant Director of MSC and Family Support ServicesDr. Abra Walter – Assistant Director of Psychology for Adult Services

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CIRCLE OF SUPPORT – MY HUMAN SECURITY • MY COMMUNITY • MY RELATIONSHIPS • MY CHOICES • MY GOALSThis workgroup’s goal is to demonstrate a commitment to supporting people as they plan the life they aspire to live. Two subgroups work side by side to empower people to self-direct their lives. The first group focuses on collaboration within the circle of support to develop a person-centered plan that identifies personal goals and the supports required to achieve them. The second group focuses on positive behavioral supports aimed at supporting informed choices and exploring opportunities to enhance participation in community life. Making informed choices and indicating preferences is the key to having an empowered and enviable life.

Richard VanDyke Conducting Safety Workshop for People Supported

CQL Factor 9 – Continuity & Personal SecurityWorkgroup Leaders: Sharon Geiselmann – Administrator Quality EnhancementAnne Marie Sime – Senior Director of Adult Services

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ACLD Advocacy Officers Carmen Pumo, Robert Mazzoni, Susan Proctor and Kris Biedermann, Day Habilitation Administrator (shown at right) presented the results of a financial survey that was conducted earlier this year by our Advocacy Councils to our Finance Department liaisons. They shared three key “Money Management” skill areas that are most important to people supported, such as “What are the benefits of having a budget?”, “Where does my money come from?” and “What is a representative payee?” Our Finance Department presented a Money Management Budgeting Skills Empowerment Seminar for people supported, and representatives from Bethpage Federal Credit Union conducted a training on Identity Theft and Avoiding Scams and Money Traps at the SLF Apartment Program Council Meeting. September was designated “Money Management Month” at ACLD. We are committed to providing people supported with the knowledge and skills to build their own financial literacy.

Roseanne Tast and Sharon Geiselmann presented the CQL Basic Assurances Monitoring Plan to the ACLD Board of Trustees and the Quality Services Committee in early January 2017. Roseanne and Sharon meet with all CQL Basic Assurances Factor Workgroups monthly while teams create, strategize, implement and promote their Basic Assurance Factor accomplishments. Our goal is to complete all the individual tasks in our CQL Basic Assurances Monitoring Plan. If you are interested in volunteering to be in a workgroup, please call Sharon Geiselmann at (516) 336-5909, ext. 313.

We are learning how to listen better and ask real and relevant questions. We are assisting people in discovering how they want to live their lives and how we can support the achievement of their goals.

ACLD ensures POMs are part of all ISP planning meetings. Outcomes are identified to be explored and accomplished. Emphasis is on collaboration, use of resources, creative thinking and our social capital.

ACLD plans to recognize staff members who are going above and beyond to support the achievement of Personal Outcomes.

Don’t be a Dream Snuffer!

Personal Outcome Measure InterviewsTM

70 Staff Attended the POMs Assessment Class

109 People Supported by ACLD Have Been Interviewed

126 Staff Attended the Intro to POMS Class

Sandi M. Gutmanstein, Controller, Conducting Money Management Budgeting Skills Empowerment Seminar

CQL Factor 10 – ACLD Basic Assurances Monitoring PlanWorkgroup Leaders: Roseanne Tast – Administrator Quality Enhancement

Sharon Geiselmann – Administrator Quality Enhancement

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For an Enviable Life

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Help Others to Aspire HigherOne Fish, Two Fish…

Staff Receives Recognition Awards

Did you hear about the new employee referral bonus? ACLD is happy to announce an increase in the referral bonus from $200 to $1,000! To be eligible for the bonus, certain criteria must be met. For more information or to email the applicants’ information, including resumes, contact Liz Symons at symonsL@acld.org or call (516) 822-0028, ext. 23.

Things are swimming along in the courtyard of our 837 building!

Through an incredibly generous donation from Suburban Water Gardens of Dix Hills, a crew spent a few days redesigning and refurbishing the koi pond. Even the fish received some TLC and are now swimming in new digs adorned with a new waterfall. Thank you to Bob BonGiorno (at left), the owner of Suburban Water Gardens, and his hard-working crew for volunteering their time and expertise.

Everyone has been excited to visit the new pond, and if you haven’t seen it yet, take a look and enjoy its beauty.

Not one but TWO of our ACLD Day Habilitation staff were recognized at a NYC/LI New York State Association of Day Service Providers event. Marcia Gideon, Day Habilitation Supervisor at CHOICES in Bethpage and Bridget Figueroa, Day Habilitation Specialist at CHOICES in Hauppauge each received a recognition award. Bridget was awarded DSP of the year for the LI Region, and Marcia received a Leadership award for the LI Region. Both ACLD staff members received the recognition at the NYSADSP Annual Statewide Symposium in Saratoga in November. Everyone at ACLD applauds both Marcia and Bridget for their dedication and service!

Recognizing the integral role a sibling plays in the life of a person with an intellectual and developmental disability, ACLD developed a Sibling Network as part of the CQL Agency Initiative. The next Sibling Network meeting is Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Fay J. Lindner Building (807 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage) large training room. The topic to be discussed will be Guardianship Issues. If you are interested in becoming a part of a growing network of adult siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and would like up-to-date information about issues impacting siblings every day, as well as the opportunity to meet other siblings who may have similar challenges, join the group on January 21 or contact Sharon Geiselmann at geiselmanns@acld.org or (516) 336-5909, ext. 313.

Sibling Support

From left to right: ACLD Day Habilitation staff, Bridget Figueroa and Marcia Gideon, receive recognition awards.

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Volume 4, Number 1Winter 2018

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Congratulations to ACLD’s own Executive Director Robert C. Goldsmith who received a Long Island Business News Executive Circle Award in June. He is pictured with Scott Schoen, LIBN Publisher.

ACLD Foundation wishes to thank Delta Airlines for being a Community Partnership Sponsor. Your generous support for creating enviable lives is soaring to the skies!

Executive Director Recognized

We Thank You.

Working at RewearAble is a Winning Experience

RewearAble employee Samantha Sheehy proudly shows off her first paycheck.

ACLD received a $5,000 grant to support its RewearAble Program, a green program created by ACLD to provide sustainable employment for people with developmental disabilities by collecting used and unwanted clothing, fabrics and accessories.

From the initial pickup, sorting, sanitizing and packing of materials, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities perform the tasks. RewearAble is addressing all components of ACLD’s mission by giving people with special needs who want the chance to work the ability to obtain steady, secure employment which, in turn, provides them with income to help them live more independently.

“Before working at RewearAble, I never had a job,” explained Sheehy. “I tried to get a job for two years, but because of my disability, it was difficult, but it didn’t stop me.”

For more information about ACLD’s RewearAble Program, or if you would like to schedule a clothing pickup, please call (516) 822-2099 or visit us at www.rewearable.org.

“Earning my own living was something I always imagined happening,” said Samantha Sheehy, telemarketer and receptionist at RewearAble. “Being in a wheelchair and having a disability doesn’t mean I don’t have dreams of working,” she continued. Sheehy and Executive Director of ACLD, Robert C. Goldsmith, were on hand to accept the 2017 Long Island Imagine Award for Innovation at the awards reception held at Crest Hollow Country Club on May 2. RewearAble won the Innovation award, sponsored by Empire National Bank, which is presented to a non-profit that has been innovative in adopting new platforms that have led to a significant increase in the organization’s ability to meet its mission.

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Jeanie Shelton-Clyne, parent and Assistant Director of Vocational Services, and Meryl Jackelow, self advocate and member of ACLD’s Board of Trustees, participated in a panel presentation at Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City in July to provide guidance on how to best support people with disabilities. The program was sponsored by LICM4all, a grant program focused on creating an inclusive culture and environment so that all visitor experiences can be positive and meaningful. Shelton-Clyne and Linda Eisen, Assistant Principal of Spiegel Children’s Center, are both LICM4all committee members.

Cheryl Fuss is a team player. At her job as a bagger at ShopRite in Commack – where she has worked for the past seven years – Fuss is known by her supervisor and coworkers as someone who can be counted on.

“Cheryl is a very inspiring person,” said her manager Carissa Shores. “She is a hard worker who is willing to help staff in any department. She is very friendly and always brings good energy to the store.”

Fuss was one of the 11 honorees at the 32nd Annual Employment Recognition Breakfast held in October at Carlyle on the Green.

ACLD continues to be one of the largest providers of Supported Employment Services on Long Island, working to enhance the employment of more than 300 people. The annual breakfast honors employees with special needs who have made notable achievements

on the job, salutes businesses that are committed to hiring people with disabilities and encourages other businesses to do the same. “Work is not just a job but for most it’s a dream come true,” said Jeanie Shelton-Clyne, ACLD’s Assistant Director of Vocational Services. ACLD is dedicated to identifying successful employment solutions for people with developmental disabilities.

Nearly 150 people, representing many of the more than 100 Long Island companies ACLD’s Vocational Program partners with, attended the event. This year’s keynote speaker was John Lee

Cronin, an adult with Down syndrome who runs his own business and turned his dream into a reality by launching John’s Crazy Socks with his father, Mark Cronin (see back page for more information).

A Night at the Museum

Breakfast of Champions

ACLD Board of Trustees member, Meryl Jackelow (center) was a panel presenter at the Long Island Children’s Museum to discuss the importance of supporting people with disabilities.

Representing one of the local employers honored at ACLD’s 2017 Employment Recognition Breakfast is Keith Lamanga from Omnicare (right), who accepted the ACLD Advocate of the Year Award and Lee Wolbrom of Great Neck, a Picking Technician at Omnicare (left).

Congratulations to the 2017 Employee Recognition Breakfast honorees pictured here proudly showing their awards.

This year’s honorees were: Cheryl Fuss, Bagger at ShopRite in Commack; John Harvey, General Maintenance at Bed Bath & Beyond in Farmingdale; Lee Wolbrom, Picking Technician at Omnicare; Lauren Pashcow, Sorter at RewearAble Program; Donna Catapano, Cashier at King Kullen in Bethpage. The honorees were each presented the Vocational Achievement Award which recognizes people with disabilities for their professional accomplishments.

Andrew Abbett, a Maintenance Worker at the Town of Huntington and Elizabeth Appel, a Maintenance Aide at Kramer Learning Center in Bay Shore both received the Thomas Choma Longevity Award, which recognizes people with disabilities who have maintained their employment for many years.

Theresa Clarkin, a Processing and Maintenance Worker at Anthropologie in Manhasset, received the Pace Award, which recognizes people with disabilities who advance in their career.

Omnicare was presented the Advocate of the Year Award.

Bed Bath & Beyond of Farmingdale received the Employer of the Year Award.

807 South Oyster Bay Road Bethpage, New York 11714

ENVIABLE LIFE NEWSA publication of Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) – 2018

Board of TrusteesJoseph J. Ortego, Esq. President

Richard Breuninger First Vice President

Edward Murphy Treasurer

Rebecca Kooper Secretary

Ellen Alexander Sharon Cimino Richard Dibble, Ph.D. Anne Emmerson, Ed.D. Megan GardnerErnest Gonzalez Meryl Jackelow Donald Mitzner Caryn Pincus, Esq. Doris Shaw Ellen Spiegel

Executive StaffRobert C. Goldsmith Executive Director

Robert Ciatto Chief Operating Officer

Anthony J. Perfetti, C.P.A. Chief Financial Officer

Christine Brown, M.D. Chief Medical Officer

Anne Marie Sime Senior Director of Adult Services

Aimee C. Keegan Director of Development and Community Relations

Founded in 1957, ACLD is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit agency whose mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,300 people and operates 80 different program sites including group homes and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Service programs include children’s services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, Medicaid Service Coordination, and occupational speech and physical therapy and social work services, and are provided to more than 3,000 people each year.

807 South Oyster Bay Road Bethpage, New York 11714Phone: (516) 822-0028Fax: (516) 822-0940www.acld.org

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Be our Friend AND our Follower! ACLD is not only on Facebook and Twitter, but also Instagram! Being a friend of ACLD is a great way to keep up with all the ways our organization is helping the people we support pursue enviable lives. Join the conversation today by friending ACLD on Facebook @ACLD1 and following us on Twitter at @acld1…and now on Instagram @acld1.

John’s Crazy Socks John’s Crazy Socks and ACLD make a great pair when it comes to being committed to helping people achieve their goals! John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son venture inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful, fun and “crazy” socks. John and his father, Mark Cronin, were the keynote speakers at ACLD’s 32nd Annual Employment Recognition Breakfast in October. ACLD and John’s Crazy Socks will not only be teaming up to help prepare special needs workers for the job market, but they also collaborated on the design of a

one of a kind “Enviable Life Sock.”

The customized sock was a giveaway at the breakfast and is also available for a limited time on the John’s Crazy Socks website. For every sale, a donation of $2.00 will be made to ACLD Foundation. For more information or to purchase a pair, go to www.johnscrazysocks.com.

Shannon Gorlesky, Administrator of Vocational Services and Jeanie Shelton-Clyne, Assistant Director of Vocational Services team up with John Lee Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks.