
12/24/2020
Wishing you a joyous holiday season with peace & cheer in the New Year!
Empowering People. Supporting New York. NYSID is a not-for-profit membership organization that creates jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities.
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Established in 1975 and based in Albany, NYSID is a not-for-profit membership organization with a 40-year mission of "Advancing employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities." NYSID and its member agencies are a proven procurement solution for government agency customers. NYSID members are the employment resource centers for individuals with diverse abilities. Our member agencies also partner with private sector New York State businesses, including Minority and Woman-Owned Business and veterans’ support programs. Employment on a NYSID contract transforms lives and communities. • Individuals realize the financial security, self-worth and personal relationships that come with long-term employment, and a traditionally under-employed workforce is served. • NYSID’s member agencies are able to offer center-based or community employment, unique to individuals’ abilities and independence goals. • Government procurement needs are met affordably and with a proven track record. Preferred Source procurement satisfies the obligation to comply with New York State Finance Law Section 162's mandate to purchase approved goods and services provided by New Yorkers with disabilities. NYSID prices are approved by the New York State Office of General Services. New York State benefits by having a workforce which includes empowered individuals with disabilities, who bring stability to communities through wages earned and spent where they live.
Mission: Advancing employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities
Operating as usual
Wishing you a joyous holiday season with peace & cheer in the New Year!
“It means going a step further, putting thought into who is brought into the company at all levels. It’s about building a culture where everyone has a voice and looking at problems from different angles is valued.”
The goal is moving beyond diversity hiring to creating a culture of inclusion in the workplace.
The holidays can be challenging for families of children with autism, especially when routines and traditions are disrupted.
This year, celebrations may look a bit different due to COVID-19. Read this blog for tips to successfully navigate the season.
Dr. Robin Kochel shares tips for helping children with autism successfully navigate the holiday season.
“I’m so proud of our NYSID team. In addition to working tirelessly to ensure individuals with disabilities are provided meaningful work, they go above and beyond and volunteer to make a significant impact in the lives of others.”
NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) employees delivered meals to nearly 200 residents in 16 group homes in Albany and Schenectady Counties... Read more »
#TestimonialTuesday: “My paycheck helps me to pay off my student loans and car loan, and stay on the road to independence.” - Brandon Henry, NYSID Corporate Partner eBizDocs
"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." — John Steinbeck
#TeamNYSID has a longstanding holiday tradition of bringing good cheer to the nonprofit community.
Our 2020 efforts took the form of delivering dinner and cookies to group homes in Albany and Schenectady last week. Residential programs across the state are grappling with deep cuts from OPWDD at a time when people with disabilities as a whole are hit hard by COVID-19.
As we uphold the spirit of this season in providing comfort and joy, we will keep standing up for the countless individuals with disabilities we serve to make New York State inclusive for all.
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Developmental-disabilities-sector-grapples-with-15811708.php
“I feel like we are constantly running uphill to get state government to prioritize individuals with disabilities that we jointly serve.”
SCHENECTADY — When a resident visits family for the weekend or is admitted to the...
“This allows us to do something extraordinary on Christmas Eve. It allows us to be with each other, even if we’re in separate cars. They’re going to be happy and feel joyful during Christmas.”
One family is looking to make a difference this holiday season for people with disabilities. The Olheiser's had an idea Thursday. What if they drove around Rochester and greeted the community, with Santa as their guide?
“She was a beautiful person. I just think she could have gone out better. They owed her more respect than she got.”
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/14/945056176/as-hospitals-fear-being-overwhelmed-by-covid-19-do-the-disabled-get-the-same-acc
In an Oregon hospital, a disabled woman fought for her life as her friends and advocates pleaded for proper care. Her case raises the question: Are disabled lives equally valued during a pandemic?
This week, #TeamNYSID has been delivering a helping of holiday cheer to NYSID Member Agency group homes throughout the Capital Region.
Meals have been delivered to nearly 200 residents in 16 group homes in Albany and Schenectady Counties, run by Center for Disability Services and Schenectady Arc.
The meals, specially prepared turkey dinners with all the trimmings, are being prepared by Martel's at Capital Hills, at a discount rate.
Employees at New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) are funding -- and delivering -- holiday meals to Capital Region group homes. NYSID staffers have donated at Feed Albany and multiple Catholic Charities drive-thru food distributions, and collected food for the Maria College Food Pantry...
“A compassionate, functioning government should prioritize resources for its most vulnerable citizens.”
Assemblyman Brian Kolb decries "the governor's misplaced priorities" while budgeting
“Our folks have to strive so hard to find employment sometimes, especially those visually impaired. Once (they) get in, they have a great work ethic and high morale and that is contagious.”
Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley works with Dayton-area employers to place 1,000 people with disabilities into jobs each year.
“But including characters with disabilities does not happen by accident. When filmmakers choose to include characters with disabilities, they can help to remove the stigmas that currently exist about interacting with individuals with disabilities.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter people’s holiday celebrations, many people are finding that watching holiday films is one tradition that can continue. While there has been no meaningful…
“We feel better at the end of every week. Not just people we serve, but we ourselves get an uplift seeing the joy that is coming out of people’s lives.”
In Camden County, people with disabilities are showcasing their talent through song every Sunday, and building relationships and self-esteem, one song at a time. Read more here.
“I’m a person that also likes to challenge myself so I think if you work on it little by little, you’re going to get better at that and it’ll help you achieve those goals.”
At a time when employment is uncertain, a local organization helps people with disabilities become entrepreneurs.
NYSID salutes President & CEO Maureen O’Brien for being named a “Socially Responsible Citizen, Contributor to a Better New York For All” by City and State NY.
“We all have an obligation to work together to benefit society at large. Exceptional leaders have succeeded in managing profitable companies while being socially responsible.”
Jessica Johnson-CopePresident, Johnson Security Bureau, Inc. Jessica Johnson - Juan Ordonez.jpg Alt Text: Jessica JohnsonTitle Text: Jessica JohnsonCaption: Jessica JohnsonDescription: Jessica JohnsonImage Credit: Juan Ordonez Tell us about your work.My job entails working with key New York City ins...
A Texas high school football team with players who are all deaf or hard of hearing won their way to a state championship last week.
A Texas high school football team with players who are all deaf or hard of hearing won their way to a state championship on Friday. The TSD Rangers’ victory marks their first state title ever. NBC’s Morgan Chesky reports for Weekend TODAY.
“Her situation as with everyone else has been adversely affected. Especially her employment, she’s very frustrated about that.”
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has impacted the workforce for many people across the U. S. but data shows workers with disabilities were impacted at a higher rate. Since March, one in five workers with disabilities were laid off, compared to one in seven in the general population, according to the...
The coronavirus pandemic has been especially difficult for people with disabilities and their families. Reporter Taylor Goebel wrote about her brother Zach and her mom, who cares for him, and the challenges they face.
The coronavirus pandemic has been especially difficult for people with disabilities and their families. Reporter Taylor Goebel wrote about her brother Zach and her mom, who cares for him, and the challenges they face. The family speaks out to NBC News’ Kate Snow.
#TeamNYSID is bringing the holiday cheer to our homes (and offices!) courtesy of Schenectady Arc.
Each year, individuals with disabilities at Schenectady ARC Horticulture Center at Maple Ridge make hundreds of arrangements, including wreaths, swags, centerpieces, and mugs filled with greens. The sale of these holiday items help fund programs for individuals supported through their agency.
To purchase items from Schenectady ARC’s horticulture program, visit https://schenectady-arc---greenhouse.square.site/.
“We need to get to a point where we can accommodate them using the strategies that we know work for people with autism. There was nothing I could do to help him, and he could not help himself in some of these situations.”
Hospital coronavirus policies protect people, but they leave people with disabilities, like autism, vulnerable. A mom wants to change this.
Sanitize Your Hands. Support Employment.
Diversify your supply chain by purchasing Purell® products through NYSID's catalog. Contact [email protected] or visit shop.nysid.org.
Gojo/Purell® products are packaged by individuals with disabilities at NYSID Member Agency Liberty ARC. Pictured is Robert Yesse, a lead production worker, who says, “Being able to provide important products to our community makes me feel good.”
NYSID is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to creating jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities. Our services are a top economic choice for state and local government agencies in need of committed workers.
Want to cook Al's Big Honkin Cast Iron Steak and Cauliflower Mash this holiday season? Order your Special Olympics NY 50th Anniversary Recipe book before the shop closes tomorrow!
Still looking for a gift for that cook on your list? Consider the 50th Anniversary Recipe Book. Not only do you get my recipe for “Big Honkin’ Cast Iron Steak and Cauliflower Mash" and many other recipes, you're also supporting the Special Olympics NY! The online store closes Dec. 11 to allow for shipping in time for the holiday. Info and order here: https://sony2020.itemorder.com/sale Thanks!
Today is the final day to cast your vote for the winners of the Albany Times Union's "The Big $100,000 Giveaway"!
Ten winners will receive $10,000 in ad space to promote their mission and community impact.
Here's all you need to do to vote for NYSID: go to https://timesunion.com/capitalregiongives2020/, scroll down to New York State Industries for the Disabled and click the green "vote" button.
Voting for the Big $100,000 Giveaway is open!
"But I feel more confident every day that we are on the right track by imagining—and building—the inclusive way. People with inclusive mindsets are all around us, and are ready to lead. Some are acting on the world's stage to try to heal our divisions and create a new birth of equality and peace. And some are in our schools, on our playgrounds, and in our cafeterias, 8 or 12 or 18 year olds, quietly making the biggest difference any one of us can make: welcoming the outcast, being a source of belonging for others, changing the eyes with which we see from fear to love. They are already stepping up and changing the world. It is time for the rest of us to follow them."
Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, explains in an opinion editorial how the organization's Unified Champion Schools program has worked to foster an "inclusive mindset" in teens.
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, a new 24-hour support line is working to help individuals with developmental disabilities and those who care for them cope during this tough time.
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, a new 24-hour support line is working to help individuals with developmental disabilities and those who care for them cope during this tough time.
There's only TWO DAYS left to cast your vote for the winners of the Albany Times Union's "The Big $100,000 Giveaway"!
Ten winners will receive $10,000 in ad space to promote their mission and community impact.
Here's all you need to do to vote for NYSID: go to https://www.timesunion.com/capitalregiongives2020/, scroll down to New York State Industries for the Disabled and click the green "vote" button.
You can vote once every 24 hours up through Thursday, December 10.
Help NYSID win this opportunity to promote the importance of Purchasing That Powers Employment. THANK YOU!
Voting for the Big $100,000 Giveaway is open!
#TestimonialTuesday: “If I didn’t have this job I would be very bored at home. I love to do different jobs like janitorial, but my favorite job is embroidery.” - Rose Partridge, The Arc of Steuben
Western New York and the rest of the country have lost a one-of-a-kind place to celebrate and educate others on the history of individuals with disabilities.
After 22 years, the Museum of disABILITY History in Amherst has closed because of the financial strain caused, in part, by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to its director.
"As we approach the holidays as well as the 2021 legislative session – and continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic – we must not forget the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities. Our agencies and staffs won’t, and we won’t let our state leaders forget them either."
New York's front page for political news. Latest NY politics news, reports, and columnists
“Jake has landed a job at UPS!!! He’s not driving a truck, but he is working up to 8 hours a day running packages to our doorsteps. He’s walking some 15,000 steps a day. He’s doing it with a smile. Yes, he's now 'Jake From UPS’.”
"All he ever wanted was a chance.
And if he was given that chance, they’d never forget him.
They said Jake Pratt of Vestavia Hills would never contribute.
They said he’d never make his high school football team.
They said he’d never graduate from high school.
They said he’d never get his driver’s permit.
They said he’d never graduate from college.
Jake Pratt has proven them all wrong, and now I have the pleasure of announcing some big news!
Jake has landed a job at UPS!!!
He’s not driving a truck, but he is working up to 8 hours a day running packages to our doorsteps.
He’s walking some 15,000 steps a day.
He’s doing it with a smile.
Yes, he's now 'Jake From UPS.'
Oh, and that’s in addition to Jake working maintenance at a golf course from 6-10 a.m. seven days a week.
That big backpack blower?
Piece of cake.
Yes, Jake Pratt is making his lunch the night before each workday.
Placing his clothes out.
Turning in early.
Ready to remind us he will not be forgotten.
All he ever wanted was a chance, and the UPS folks have given him a chance.
Now, this 21-year-old with Down syndrome is showing the world what people with special needs can accomplish with hard work.
This young man is helping to make our Christmas merrier.
My heart is full as my pride in Jake runs deep.
Please congratulate Jake, and if you see him on his route, give him a yell.
All he ever wanted was a chance.
And if he was given that chance, they’d never forget him.
I have to admit, 'Jake From UPS' is going to be tough to forget."
#LoveWhatMatters
Credit: Rick Karle WVTM 13 (https://www.wvtm13.com/)
Photo: Kathy and Jay Pratt
“We’re each other’s best friends. She pushes me just as much as I push her because I don’t think she should be limited because of her disability.”
"We want to find and bring out the best an individual can be. Whatever that looks like for them, we want to help them get there — we will ensure they get there."
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Join us for our first ever virtual Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m. for 2020 business highlights and recognition of honorees! NYSID's annual event will be a Zoom meeting, with live streaming on Facebook. A link will be emailed to attendees prior to the event. To register, go to www.nysid.org. #EmployedIncludedEssential #NDEAM #PowerofaPaycheck
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time for recognizing thousands of individuals with disabilities working on NYSID’s contracts. Individuals with disabilities create a diverse talent pool that meets the procurement needs of NYS. We're especially proud of their efforts throughout the COVID-19 emergency to fulfill customer needs with essential services and products. As we celebrate #NDEAM, we can’t thank these individuals enough for their contributions toward a safer, stronger New York.
President George H.W. Bush called individuals with disabilities “a resource of untapped human potential” when he signed the ADA on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation ensures equal access to education, housing, employment, breaking down barriers and building inclusive communities. NYSID recognizes the ADA’s ideals of dignity and independence that come from earning a paycheck. We are committed to putting the ADA into action along with our Member Agencies and Corporate Partners who work tirelessly to combat the unacceptable 67% unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities. Here is a message from NYSID’s President & CEO, Maureen O’Brien about the 30th anniversary of the ADA and the importance of the work done by organizations like Spectrum Designs Foundation.
NYSID donated $2,500 to Help Feed Albany - COVID-19 Relief. NYSID staff also had the pleasure of boxing up meals for in-need individuals.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." - Special Olympics athlete oath Even though sporting events around the world are currently in a "time-out", the spirit of teamwork lives on, shining brighter than ever. We send our best wishes to the athletes and coaches of Special Olympics NY and look forward to cheering you on from the sidelines soon!
Pack the sunscreen! It's the "First Day of Summer"! How is everyone celebrating this weekend? Tell us in the comments! #summertime #summerfun #weekendvibes
ONE WEEK AWAY! Will you be joining us? FREE Stop the Bleed Certification Event! Uncontrolled bleeding is the #1 cause of preventable death from trauma. Stop The Bleed (STB) certification training provides basic bleeding control skills until paramedics arrive. When: Thursday, June 27, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: NYSID headquarters, 11 Columbia Circle Drive, Albany, NY 12203. For more info & to register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stop-the-bleed-certification-e…
FREE Stop the Bleed Certification Event! Uncontrolled bleeding is the #1 cause of preventable death from trauma. Stop The Bleed (STB) certification training provides basic bleeding control skills until paramedics arrive. When: Thursday, June 27, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: NYSID headquarters, 11 Columbia Circle Drive, Albany, NY 12203. FREE REGISTRATION. SPACE IS LIMITED. For more info & to register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stop-the-bleed-certification-event-thursday-june-27-tickets-62879735983 #trauma #skills #certification #savealife
Corey Heritage describes NYSID Corporate Partnerships in 2 minutes at the New York Alliance Conference on 6/4/19.
Tomorrow's Engineers Making a Difference Today are now live from Meeting Room 6 at the Empire State Plaza Events! #technologythatworks #pwd #inclusionrevolution
Do you want to see more awesome inventions like Bee Notified, palletPal, and MedKit Medley? Visit us tomorrow at the CREATE Symposium, located at the Empire State Plaza in Meeting Room 6 from 10:00 - 2:00!
We are live from the University at Albany, SUNY! Catch us on Spectrum News Capital Region in the next half hour for an inside look at assistive technology inventions that will be on display during tomorrow's CREATE Symposium! Join us at the Empire State Plaza in Meeting Room 6 from 10am - 2pm. Open to the public!
Are you ready to get CREATE-ive? We are! Join us for the CREATE Symposium, April 10, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm! #create #assistivetechnology #pwd #accessibility #employABILITY
Have you been following #testimonialtuesday? If not, check out this cool video of all of our testimonials to date! It is #throwbackthursday, afterall! #tbt #employment #empowerment #pwd
Big things are happening at NYSID member agency, Spectrum Designs Foundation! Spectrum Designs was recently awarded a matching grant through NYSID's Project Funding Program, allowing three new embroidery machines to be added to their capabilities. These new machines will create over 50 additional hours of paid employment for #pwd each week! #employability #empowerment #inclusivehiring #matchingrant
Workers with disabilities at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas mean business! NYSID staff members are touring this outstanding model of inclusion, from arts & music to employment.
It was a great day for NYSID Member Agencies. At the Procurement Council Meeting held in Albany, an application for Mail Fulfillment Services was voted on and passed with a vote of 17-0 and one abstention. As many of you know, the application for Mail Fulfillment Services had been in limbo for over two years. Many of you have reached out to the Procurement Council during this time to urge them to pass this modernized definition so that nearly 300 individuals with disabilities can continue to provide a valuable service to New York State, local government and SUNY customers. Our sincere thanks to those who expressed their support of the modernized definition to these decision makers. We would like to express our gratitude to the entire Procurement Council for their careful consideration of a definition that was complicated and nuanced, and gratefully acknowledge the Office of General Services and Empire State Development for their considerable work in modernizing a definition and making a recommendation in its favor. Thank you for your continued support of NYSID and the Preferred Source Program. #employability #inclusivehiring #pwd
Today at Center for Disability Services, Deserea Taylor was honored with a celebration for being nominated as one of the 2018 William B. Joslin Outstanding Performers for her excellence in the workplace. Jennifer Lawrence, Director of Marketing and Communications was on hand to present Deserea with her award certificate and check for $500. When asked what she would do without her job, she said; "If I didn't have this job, I would be looking for another job. I can't imagine not working." Way to go, Deserea! #employability #inclusionmatters #inclusivehiring
NYSID Members! Join us on December 6 in NYC for an engaging Business Development Forum at Fedcap, 210 East 43rd Street from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Get more info and register at https://www.nysid.org/programs/tip-details.cfm?id=18.
Today, NYSID staff attended the National Disability Employment Awareness Month luncheon presented by The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter. Karen Eisenhut, one of the 57 individuals nominated for the 2018 William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award was presented her certificate and $500 check for her excellence in the workplace. See Karen’s remarks about receiving this award in the comments. Way to go, Karen! #NDEAM #employABILITY #disabilityemployment
After experiencing the frustrations of working 27 temp jobs, Danielle Pollay found employment success at E-BizDocs, a document scanning business with an inclusive workforce. Today, she was recognized by NYSID as an "Outstanding Performer" for her job well done and can-do attitude by President & CEO Maureen O'Brien. Well done indeed, Danielle and Team E-BizDocs. #pwd #inclusion #ndeam
Thanks again to Kumi Tucker WNYT for emceeing our Annual Meeting at Albany Cap Center and to WNYT NewsChannel 13 for airing this clip featuring E-BizDocs, our 2018 Corporate Partner of the Year (the anchor is Karen Tararache). Be sure to follow our blog and social media in the coming days for more Annual Meeting highlights! #YourFutureOurPurpose #Employability #NDEAM
Steven Collins with Mountain Lake Services tearfully and gratefully accepts the 2018 William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award. You do indeed make us proud, Steven! #yourfutureourpurpose #employability #ndeam
Maxine Nelson with The Arc of Dutchess accepts the 2018 William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award for her excellence in the workplace. Congratulations, Maxine. Your determination inspires us all! #yourfutureourpurpose #employability #ndeam
Toni-Marie Ciarfella, Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs of Dutchess County accepts the 2018 Local Government Customer of the Year Award during the 2018 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. Your purchases create Preffered Source jobs! #yourfutureourpurpose #employability #ndeam
Lynn Thibdeau, Acting Director, Employment and Meaningful Community Activities for the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities accepts the 2018 State Government Customer of the Year Award during the 2018 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. We appreciate your purchases that support our shared mission of bettering the lives of individuals with disabilites. #yourfutureourpurpose #employability #ndeam
Established in 1975 and based in Albany, NYSID is a not-for-profit membership organization that creates jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities.
NYSID and its member agencies are a proven procurement solution for government agency customers. NYSID members are the employment resource centers for individuals with diverse abilities. Our member agencies also partner with private sector New York State businesses, including Minority and Woman-Owned Business and veterans' support programs.
Jobs Well Done
Employment on a NYSID contract transforms lives and communities:
Legislatively Mandated, Economically Sound
Preferred Source procurement satisfies the obligation to comply with New York State Finance Law Section 162's mandate to purchase approved goods and services provided by New Yorkers with disabilities.
NYSID prices are approved by the New York State Office of General Services.
New York State benefits by having a workforce which includes empowered individuals with disabilities, who bring stability to communities through wages earned and spent where they live.
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