Job Placement Assistance and Pre-interview Prep Bring Success.
“I have never encountered a more dedicated, attentive, professional and compassionate staff.”
Seeking employment with an eye disease that takes away some functionality, Michael is working with Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center, which provides a variety of pre- and post-employment services. At a job fair hosted at The Viscardi Center, he connected with potential employers. Prior to the fair, Abilities staff assisted him with a mock interview in addition to the regular, ongoing support he receives with the job-search process.
Michael landed a position as a freelance writer for Able News, a monthly publication providing information and resources for people with disabilities. He recently submitted his first article, writing about the underemployment of individuals with disabilities while continuing his job search.
His success largely stems from his resourcefulness. Michael identified his strengths – an excellent memory, strong public-speaking skills and expertise as a writer – and matched them to potential jobs. He also overcame the bias some people showed towards him as an individual with a disability by just being himself: an outgoing, generous person.
In a correspondence addressed to The Viscardi Center’ staff, Michael expressed his gratitude: “You cultivated an environment and atmosphere which allowed me and all whom attended the job fair to minimize the presence of our respective limitations and present ourselves in positions of great strength. I have never encountered a more dedicated, attentive, professional and compassionate staff.”
A graduate of the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, Michael plans to continue his involvement, offering his skills and expertise to students, staff and alumni. Having a desire to help others with disabilities, he aspires to become a professor of social work, motivational speaker, or life coach.
Michael holds a B.A. in psychology with a minor in speech communication and rhetorical studies from Hofstra University, and an M.S.W. from Adelphi University. His leisure time revolves around family and friends who have been very supportive – sharing Sunday dinners, watching pro football, and taking part in family activities. He also enjoys playing hockey and rooting for the New York Islanders.