Spotlight On

Mission:
Abilities! Is a non-profit agency dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to be active, independent, and self-sufficient participants in our society. Through education, training, research, leadership, and example we seek to provide the highest quality services and to influence national attitudes, policies, and legislation in ways that lead to the greatest benefit for the people we serve.

Background:
Ablities! was initiated with the pioneering efforts of Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. who in 1952 began a manufacturing venture staffed by disabled WWII veterans to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities could be productive workers. Building on the success of the program, expansions resulted in development of vocational training programs, a research facility and an educational program for children with severe physical disabilities- the Henry Viscardi School. Drawing from his experience as a child with a disability growing up in New York City, Dr. Viscardi worked diligently to see that this dream turned into reality, that every child, regardless of disability, received the highest quality education. The school, which currently serves almost 200 children with severe physical disabilities, has students from over 72 school districts in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.

Over the past 50 years, the organization has expanded its focus in several vocational training and placement program areas, educational programs for children with physical disabilities, transition for high school students with disabilities and postsecondary supports for community college students, assistive and instructional technology, collaborations with corporate business, a focus on inclusion in culture and arts and research on disability issues.

Through its network of programs and services, Abilities! impacts thousands of individuals with disabilities each year and Abilities! programs have received recognition by the Federal government and through frequent presentation at national and international conferences. Partnerships with other organizations, businesses and universities facilitate demonstration of successful practices, replication of training programs and further development of innovative methods of facilitating independence and self-sufficiency through education and employment.

Abilities! continues to be dedicated to creating a world in which people with disabilities will live simply as people. In this world, people with disabilities will have the same opportunities as all other people, be treated with dignity and respect, and have access to all the benefits of our society.

Current Programs:
Abilities, Inc. provides comprehensive services to help individuals with disabilities reach their employment goals by providing employment evaluations, training, and placement services. As well as support services and technical assistance to employers who hire persons with disabilities.

The Henry Viscardi School (HVS) is one of the nation's foremost institutions for educating children with severe physical and medical disabilities. HVS serves approximately 200 students annually in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve.

The Nathaniel Kornreich Technology Center (KTC) showcases state-of-the-art assistive technology that assists children and adults with disabilities to become more independent and self-sufficient. The Kornreich Technology Center provides information, demonstrations, technology evaluations, and training in assistive technology and its impact on people with disabilities.

The National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) is the leading national resource for the successful integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce and consumer marketplace. NBDC is comprised of many Fortune 1000 corporate members with headquarters throughout the country.

The Global Institute was created to identify, research and promote innovative and promising practices in special education and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities through the establishment of innovative collaboratives with universities and other organizations both here and abroad. It strives to erase myths and traditions that continue to deny persons with disabilities, here and abroad, full participation in school, community and society.

Research and Evaluation Center conducts disability research, ongoing program evaluation and broad dissemination about programs and practices through national conference presentations and publications.

Funding Needs:
Funding is received from foundations, corporations, individuals and government agencies. Funding is needed to expand existing programs in the areas of universally designed training facilities, K-12 education for students with severe disabilities, transition from school to employment, vocational training and internship programs, inclusive technology, capital renovations, inclusion in arts and culture.

Every month, the "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the tri-state region (NY, NJ, or CT). The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," please use this submission form to send us a profile of your organization. Or e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to nyweb@foundationcenter.org, with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.