Archives for December 2012

Elise Testone, 2012 American Idol Finalist, Jams

with Students at the Henry Viscardi School

December 20, 2012 – Albertson, NY – Holding “We love you” signs, students welcomed American Idol finalist Elise Testone to the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, an accredited model academic school for grades Pre-K through 12 that serves children with severe physical disabilities, on December 18, 2012. Testone toured the School, answered questions about her musical career and jammed with sixth graders during their music class. [Read more…]

President & CEO John Kemp’s interview on Capital Press Room about the Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards which honoring the most influential members of the disability community globally. Senator Robert Dole and Academy Award Winning Actress Marlee Matlin are co-chairing the distinguished international Selection Committee.

Click Here to listen to the podcast with President & CEO John Kemp on Capital Press Room

THE VISCARDI CENTER ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL AWARDS TO

HONOR MOST INFLUENTIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY

Senator Robert Dole and Academy Award Winning Actress Marlee Matlin to Co-Chair

Selection Committee Seeking Contemporary Leaders

TheViscardi Centertoday announced the creation of a unique awards program to identify and recognize exemplary leaders in the disability community who have had a profound impact on shaping attitudes, raising awareness and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

The Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards were developed to honor the legacy and visionof the Long Island-based Center’s founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who himself wore prosthetic legs. As one of the world’s leading advocates for people with disabilities he served as a disability advisor to eight presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. The recipientsof the Awards will be announced on March 4, 2013, to coincide with the 80^th anniversary of the inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who as a member of the disability community was among the most influential figures of the 20^th century.

Click Here to read the full article from the Viscardi Center website.

The Viscardi Center Announces Formation of Viscardi Alumni Group

December 6, 2012 – The Viscardi Center (formerly known as Abilities!), a network of non-profit organizations providing a lifespan of services that educate, employ and empower people with disabilities, announced the formation of an alumni group, Viscardi Alumni.  It is open to individuals who have attended, graduated from, or worked for any of the organizations or programs started by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., including Abilities, Inc., Henry Viscardi School, National Business & Disability Council, J.O.B. and the Human Resources School.

“Like other alumni groups, our goal is to give individuals associated with The Viscardi Center an opportunity to reconnect and network amongst themselves and the community,” explained Denise Vargas, President of the Viscardi Alumni. “It also gives us the chance to share information on healthcare, public policy, employment and other important issues people with disabilities face every day.” Vargas hopes Viscardi Alumni will become a forum for individuals to share their success stories and a place for people to encourage and inspire others.

The Viscardi Alumni group will offer opportunities to participate in and volunteer at events hosted by The Viscardi Center as well as other community activities throughout the year. In addition, it will be sponsoring informational seminars and workshops. “We can also be an organized voice for people with disabilities on a local, regional and national level,” added Vargas.

To get involved and learn more about upcoming Viscardi Alumni events and activities, visit viscardialumni.com, call 516.465.1400, extension 1508 or follow its Facebook page.

Phillip Mayer raced to the other side of the basketball court to assist a player with a pivotal shot just before halftime.

The crowd cheered and coaches shouted out plays from the sidelines as the 10-year-old and his team went on to win the game 26-22.

Mayer loves sports, but his spinal muscular atrophy has forced him to use an electric wheelchair for most of his life.

The Howard Beach native is on the junior varsity team for the Henry Viscardi School, an educational institution for preschool-age children to adults who have severe physical disabilities.

“I just love the team because it gives me a chance to be with my friends,” Mayer said during halftime. “It really helps me socially.”

On Saturday, Mayer participated in the 21st annual Henry Viscardi Sportsmanship wheelchair basketball tournament in its gymnasium in Albertson as the culmination of the fall season. The Viscardi Cougars played against the Westchester School for Special Children and the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester school.

Click here to view full article from Newsday.