The Viscardi Center

Our History

illustration of a bulb

1952

The Beginning

illustration of a book in a blue filled circle

1962

Henry Viscardi School

illustration of a person sitting on a chair in a blue filled circle

1982

Vocational Training and Job Placement

illustration of a teacher lecturing on a classroom in a blue filled circle

1997

Consulting Businesses

illustration of a globe in a blue filled circle

2013

International
Henry Viscardi
Achievement Awards

illustration of 3 person sitting on chairs in a blue filled circle

2014

EARN

illustration of a globe in a blue filled circle

2016

Digital Accessibility Services

illustration of a person hand spread in a blue filled circle

2019

Disability Entrepreneurship Institute

blue newspaper icon

2023

Able Newspaper

old photo of a man sitting on a wheelchair

The Beginning

The Viscardi Center was founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., a premiere advocate for people with disabilities who himself wore prosthetic legs and served as an advisor to eight U.S. presidents. Dr. Viscardi sought to ignite inclusion in his community through meaningful employment access. The organization broke new ground as one of the first in the world staffed primarily by people with disabilities and wounded veterans. Learn more about Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr.

Henry Viscardi School

Prior to the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, education options were limited for children with severe physical disabilities—many of whom received instruction at home or in a hospital—and their families. Dr. Viscardi established a traditional school for students with disabilities, providing a high-quality education in combination with vital therapies, medical supports, and assistive technology.

Vocational Training and Job Placement

Services expanded to include vocational and work readiness training and job placement for adults with disabilities. Participants wishing to enter or re-enter a competitive workforce could receive mentorship and skill building services to guide them towards fulfilling, long-term employment in a range of industries.

Consulting Businesses

Following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, The Viscardi Center began consulting businesses on disability best practices and took on a prominent role as a national resource for the successful integration of people with disabilities into the workforce and consumer marketplace.

Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

The Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards were launched to recognize exemplary leaders in the international disability community who honor Dr. Viscardi’s vision and legacy through their incredible professional accomplishments and advocacy efforts.

EARN

U.S. Department of Labor awards The Viscardi Center a five-year cooperative agreement to operate the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), a federal resource for employers committed to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing qualified employees with disabilities.

Digital Accessibility Services

Making the world more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities is at the core of The Viscardi Center’s mission, and that includes prioritizing an equal online experience for all. Digital Accessibility Services launched to help businesses and organizations meet evolving industry standards and ensure customers, students, and employees with disabilities get the most out of digital media—from web to documents to video content.  

Disability Entrepreneurship Institute

The Viscardi Center continues to differentiate itself within the disability services community with the launch of an entrepreneurship pilot program for innovative self-starters with disabilities. The Institute provides training and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into a reality.  

Able Newspaper

The Viscardi Center made a mission-based strategic acquisition of Able Newspaper, a periodical for, by and about people with disabilities founded in 1991 by Angela Miele Melledy. A unique publication, Able brings the reader information about the disability community. Aligning with The Viscardi Center’s “3Es” (educate, employ, empower), the acquisition enhanced and expanded upon the Center’s programs, services and advocacy.

old photo of a man sitting on a wheelchair

1952 - The Beginning

The Viscardi Center was founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., a premiere advocate for people with disabilities who himself wore prosthetic legs and served as an advisor to eight U.S. presidents. Dr. Viscardi sought to ignite inclusion in his community through meaningful employment access. The organization broke new ground as one of the first in the world staffed primarily by people with disabilities and wounded veterans.

a man on corridor sitting on a wheelchair

1962 - Henry Viscardi School

Prior to the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, education options were limited for children with severe physical disabilities—many of whom received instruction at home or in a hospital—and their families. Dr. Viscardi established a traditional school for students with disabilities, providing a high-quality education in combination with vital therapies, medical supports, and assistive technology.

a teen aged boy sitting on a wheelchair

1982 - Vocational Training and Job Placement

Services expanded to include vocational and work readiness training and job placement for adults with disabilities. Participants wishing to enter or re-enter a competitive workforce could receive mentorship and skill building services to guide them towards fulfilling, long-term employment in a range of industries.

Multiethnic business people in meeting

1997 - Consulting Businesses

Following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, The Viscardi Center began consulting businesses on disability best practices and took on a prominent role as a national resource for the successful integration of people with disabilities into the workforce and consumer marketplace.

Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

2013 - Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

The Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards were launched to recognize exemplary leaders in the international disability community who honor Dr. Viscardi’s vision and legacy through their incredible professional accomplishments and advocacy efforts.

Disability young blind person happy woman in headphone typing on computer keyboard working in creative workplace office.

2014 - EARN

U.S. Department of Labor awards The Viscardi Center a five-year cooperative agreement to operate the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), a federal resource for employers committed to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing qualified employees with disabilities.
Digital Accessibility Sign on the enter key on a keyboard

2016 - Digital Accessibility Services

Making the world more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities is at the core of The Viscardi Center’s mission, and that includes prioritizing an equal online experience for all. Digital Accessibility Services launched to help businesses and organizations meet evolving industry standards and ensure customers, students, and employees with disabilities get the most out of digital media—from web to documents to video content.

Three lovely women spending time enjoying coffee at the cafe and using sign language as a way of communication.

2019 - Disability Entrepreneurship Institute

The Viscardi Center continues to differentiate itself within the disability services community with the launch of an entrepreneurship pilot program for innovative self-starters with disabilities. The Institute provides training and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into a reality.  
Viscardl Able leadership signing agreement

2023 - Able Newspaper

The Viscardi Center made a mission-based strategic acquisition of Able Newspaper, a periodical for, by and about people with disabilities founded in 1991 by Angela Miele Melledy. A unique publication, Able brings the reader information about the disability community. Aligning with The Viscardi Center’s “3Es” (educate, employ, empower), the acquisition enhanced and expanded upon the Center’s programs, services and advocacy.

a disabled women sitting on a workspace

Where We’re Going

Today, The Viscardi Center is a hub for leading edge approaches to education and employment for children and adults. Our multidisciplinary team prepares thousands of individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals as active members of the community. We are addressing areas of unmet need and eliminating existing barriers in the classroom and workplace every day through our strategic initiatives. Together, we’re accelerating a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable world for all.

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The Viscardi Center
Address: 201 I.U. Willets Rd, Albertson, NY 11507
Phone: 516-465-1400

Email: info@viscardicenter.org

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