October 14, 2015
The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profit organizations providing a lifespan of services that educate, employ and empower people with disabilities, is the focus of an in-flight video feature being shown on the seatbacks of all JetBlue Airways flights during the month of October – National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The piece focuses on students of the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, employers’ future talent pool, and highlights their goals and accomplishments while bringing to light challenges people with disabilities face when they travel. View the JetBlue video feature.
JetBlue hosted the seventh, eighth and ninth graders from Henry Viscardi School, participating in the school’s aviation curriculum, for an exclusive airport and travel experience. Students, some of whom had never traveled by air, had the opportunity to check-in at the airport, fly to Boston, enjoy lunch, and then fly back to New York. The Viscardi students were not the only ones learning that day, as JetBlue’s Corporate Facility team joined them to identify any additional ways passenger accessibility could be enhanced for travelers with disabilities.
Headquartered in Long Island City, with its main base at John F. Kennedy International Airport, JetBlue has demonstrated a commitment to its customers and staff with disabilities. The Viscardi Center is proud to partner with JetBlue on a variety of activities that continue to educate and train its staff on disability related topics, including the hiring, retaining and advancing of employees with disabilities.
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 provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs more than 300 professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology.