The Viscardi Center

Post-Secondary Pathways, Employment, and Economic
Self-Sufficiency

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$4M Investment

Helping adults with disabilities to access gainful employment has always been central to the mission of The Viscardi Center since its founding over 70 years ago. Today, we aim to overcome barriers to success by addressing the pressing need for support in the transition to post-secondary education and the workforce through tailored programs, ongoing mentorship, and strengthened networks to help people with disabilities achieve their educational and employment goals.
Objectives

  1. Answer our community’s request for ongoing support in the transition to post-secondary pathways and the workforce
  2. Help people with disabilities persist in overcoming barriers in accessing post-secondary pathways, securing meaningful employment, and achieving economic self-sufficiency through expanded mentorship, guidance, and networks of support
A small group of prospective employers and employees at a career fair table for PSEG

Post-Secondary Pathways – $1.5M

We are committed to helping people with disabilities find their paths to post-secondary education and overcome obstacles they may encounter along the way. In addition to other post-secondary pathways, we are investing in Long Island’s first and only Inclusive Higher Education (IHE) program. This is a non-degree program offered in collaboration with college and university partners, including Nassau and Suffolk Community Colleges, that offers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college campus experience, improved competitive employment opportunities, and independent living skills. While there has been significant growth in IHE programs nationwide, this proven model does not yet exist on Long Island.

Disabled Veterans Program – $1M

This program prepares military veterans with service-related disabilities for entry or re-entry into the civilian workforce through a range of services, including alignment of military experience with current labor market needs, career development, and placement services in collaboration with over 300 corporate partners. For many veterans with disabilities who have gone through clinical services and rehabilitation after serving in the military, this program is the last step on a journey to the civilian workforce. This inclusive program serves veterans with visible as well as invisible disabilities.

Disability Entrepreneurship Program – $1.5M

After a very successful pilot, we are building on this program that offers people with disabilities an avenue to economic self-sufficiency. This program offers a robust entrepreneurship curriculum in collaboration with a growing network of university partners, interaction with a range of topic experts and mentors, and a supportive ecosystem for founders with disabilities.

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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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