Archives for September 2011

From Viscardi Students Visit Hofstra

 

As part of the transition program at Henry Viscardi School, ninth grade students and several parents visited Hofstra University to see what college is all about. Andrea Nadler, the Associate Dean of Admissions spoke about the variety of programs and majors that Hofstra has to offer.  Julie Yindra, the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities and members of her department emphasized the importance of good grades, self-advocacy and goal setting. She told the students about Dr. Viscardi’s friendship with one of the dean’s at Hofstra. In 1963, as the school was transitioning from a commuter school to a residential campus. Dr. Viscardi emphasized the importance of building an entirely accessible campus and thus Hofstra became the first wheelchair accessible campus on Long Island.

 

After a tour of the campus, and running into a 2011 Viscardi graduate on his way to class at Hofstra, the students enjoyed socializing and navigating the food court at the Student Center.

Elena Cucharo, a music teacher at Viscardi has been asked to present at the New York State School Music Association Conference (NYSSMA). Elena L. Cucharo graduated from C.W. Post University in 2008, with a B.M. in Music Education.  She began teaching at the Henry Viscardi School in July of 2008 and in September was officially appointed the school’s music teacher. It was this new position, coupled with the extraordinary students of Viscardi that inspired Elena to begin research into providing better and more adaptive techniques for teaching music education to students with physical disabilities.

This research afforded Elena the opportunity to further her own education and in September of 2010, she earned her M.A in Music History from C.W. Post. Her thesis, entitled “Everyone Plays Together: Adaptive Strategies and Instruments to Raise the Level of Musical Participation in Students with Physical Disabilities” has inspired teachers, of able and disabled students alike, to introduce new and innovative techniques that help facilitate inclusion and participation in the music classroom.

In recognition of Elena’s passion and hard work, she has been asked to present her thesis, and the work surrounding it, at the upcoming 2011 NYSSMA Conference to be held on December 3rd in Rochester, NY. Currently, Elena continues her work at Viscardi and plans to begin her Doctoral program in 2012.

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From Nassau County Police Department Visits Viscardi 9-13-11

Police Officer Sharpe and Mr. Tomei of the Nassau County Police Department visited Viscardi today to talk with students about careers in the NCPD. Police Officer Sharpe talked about what it is like to be a Police Officer. In addition, she described the career opportunities available in the NCPD. Mr. Tomei spoke with the students about opportunities available for people with disabilities within the NCPD. Police Officer Sharpe and Mr. Tomei responded to questions from our students.

Prior to speaking with the students, Police Officer Sharpe was presented an award recognizing the role the NCPD has played in helping Viscardi at different times, such as 9/11.

We thank Police Officer Sharpe and Mr. Tomei for taking the time to visit with us.

For further information about careers in police enforcement, please see the links below:

http://www.policeemployment.com/career-profiles

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm

http://www.police.co.nassau.ny.us/recruitment.htm