The Viscardi Center

at The Viscardi Center

Providing a lifespan of programs and services that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disabilities.
An employer membership organization and comprehensive resource for disability employment best practices.

DONATE

Header Links

  • Login
  • Media Room
  • Contact Us

Share

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • You Tube
  • Instagram
  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Abilities, Inc.
    • E-Learning
    • Henry Viscardi School
    • The Disability Entrepreneurship Institute
    • Nathaniel H. Kornreich Technology Center
    • Services by Type
    • Services by Age/Audience
    • Services for Businesses
    • How to Obtain Services
  • Our Stories
    • Adults
    • Businesses
    • Children
    • Donors
  • Get Involved
    • Ways to Give
    • Together We Soar Campaign
    • Advocacy
    • Volunteer
    • Share Your Story
    • Viscardi Alumni
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Blog
    • Events
    • Media Room
    • Viscardi Voice Newsletter
  • Digital Accessibility
    • Document Accessibility
    • Web Accessibility
    • Captioning & CART Services
    • Audio Description
    • ADA Bundle
    • Viscardi Multimedia Learning Center
  • About
    • History
    • Staff Leadership and Boards of Directors
    • Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards
    • Sunny
    • FAQs
    • Careers
    • Financials
    • Contact Us
www.viscardicenter.org > News & Events > News > Bon Appetit! Inaugural Culinary Skills Training Class Graduates.

Bon Appetit! Inaugural Culinary Skills Training Class Graduates.

March 16, 2016 by imc_admin

  • A A A
March 16, 2016
Two women on laptops using headphones

“I feel great about myself,” said Sylvester, one of six graduates from Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center’s Culinary Skills training program. “I learned a lot, like how to cook from scratch and how to plan ahead when cooking.” Sylvester and his classmates had plenty to be proud of at a luncheon they prepared and hosted on Friday, for their family and invited guests, as their final project.

The Culinary Skills training program for youth and adults with disabilities, and aging individuals, introduces participants to a variety of hospitality career opportunities – from commercial and non-commercial food services to jobs in both the front and back of the house. “The introductory course combines the skills and experiences of a professional kitchen with an intimate, hands-on approach,” explains John D. Kemp, President and CEO of The Viscardi Center.

“The group started out “green,” but really showcased all they have learned as they planned and prepared for this final assignment,” said Rob Foley, the Culinary Skills program instructor. “They worked as a team to create the menu, shop for the ingredients, prep and cook the food, and determine what could be prepared in advance. Along the way, they problem solved, collaborated and used the cooking techniques they acquired.”

The silver serving dishes at the luncheon revealed an array of freshly prepared cuisine – deviled eggs, a garden salad with a choice of homemade dressings, pineapple fried rice, lemon grilled chicken, vegetable lasagna, and grilled asparagus. A dessert tower featured sweet treats, including upside down cupcakes. A signature chilled beverage, garnished with cherries and mint leaves, topped off the menu.

Daniel, who has a new found confidence, is considering working in a restaurant and hasn’t been shy in telling his mother that when it comes to cooking, she’s been doing it all wrong. He even challenged her to a meatball throwdown. Of course, Daniel’s meatballs took the prize. His Mom noted how much he has loved coming home every day with stories of the day’s events and latest creations, everything from homemade pasta to bearnaise sauce.

“The level of enthusiasm the course participants showed every day and the outcomes of the program have far exceeded our expectations,” said Alice Muterspaw, Associate Vice President of Vocational Services at Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center. Muterspaw noted that as a result of the skills learned each week, several program participants secured jobs before their training was even completed. “Jamie landed a job at Eataly in New York City, but returned for the luncheon to celebrate all that they’ve accomplished.”

While Sylvester is already working part-time at a local supermarket, his parents hope the skills he has learned will expand his career opportunities at his current employer or open doors at a new one. With a resume and portfolio in hand, skills for a variety of positions, and practice interviews under their belts, the participants will now receive assistance from the Center’s employment placement specialists to secure jobs where they can utilize their love of cooking.

Learn more about the Culinary Skills Training Program.

Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers people with disabilities. It provides Pre-K through High School education (age 3 to 21), school-to-work youth transition services, vocational training, career counseling and employment placement, assistive technology, and adapted driver education to children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of disabilities. The Center also assists businesses in diversifying their workforces, as well as developing and advancing disability inclusive cultures in their workplaces.

Topics

[php snippet=3]

Media Contact

Kim Brussell
Associate Vice President,
Development & External Relations
516-465-1608
kbrussell@viscardicenter.org

Filed Under: News

News & Events

  • News

    >

  • Blog

    >

  • Events

    >

  • Media Room

    >

  • Viscardi Voice Newsletter

    >

Explore News

Events

Hands over a keyboard

Webinar on Digital Accessibility Fundamentals

[php snippet=2]

NY Islanders defensemen Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock and actor Kevin James standing behind Viscardi CEO Dr. Chris Rosa and two Henry Viscardi School male students

Celebrity Sports Night

[php snippet=2]

View All Events

Recent News

View All >
  • Get Your Wheels on Fire Socks Today!

    March 21, 2023 The Viscardi Center is partnering with John’s Crazy Socks’ to bring you our latest Wheels on Fire Socks. Purchase your pair today! Read More...
  • The Passing of Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Advocate

    March 4, 2023 Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center, releases a statement on the passing of disability rights advocate Judy Heumann. Read More...
  • 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Bestowed

    December 2, 2022 The Viscardi Center, a renowned non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers people with disabilities, announced six distinguished recipients of the 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. Read More...
  • Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Receives Rave Reviews!

    November 29, 2022 The Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Luncheon which featured a performance by Chilina Kennedy, the longest-running "Carole" in the history of Broadway’s Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, was a smashing success. Read More...
  • Viscardi Announces John J. Gutleber Aquatic Center

    September 2, 2022 The newly renovated facility will provide an accessible range of aquatic exercise and therapies for students with disabilities. Read More...
  • Announcing Roy Danis as Board Chair

    July 19, 2022 Roy Danis, President & CEO of Conecuh Brands, assumed the role of Chair of The Viscardi Center Board of Directors on July 1, 2022 Read More...

Contact Us

The Viscardi Center
National Business & Disability Council at The Viscardi Center
201 I.U. Willets Road
Albertson, NY 11507
516.465.1400
info@viscardicenter.org
Careers at the Viscardi Center | Staff Log in
Accessibility | Privacy | Site Map

Sign up For Enews

The Viscardi Center is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit recognized by the IRS.

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • You Tube
  • Instagram

© 2023 The Viscardi Center. All rights reserved. | Designed & Developed by Infinite Media Corp.