Archives for September 2014

Announcement Prelude to National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Albertson, NY – September 30, 2014 – The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profit organizations providing a lifespan of services that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disabilities, was awarded a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The cooperative agreement calls for The Viscardi Center to operate a national employer technical assistance center that will open up new employment opportunities for people with disabilities by increasing the commitment and capacity of employers to recruit, hire, retain and advance this all too often untapped talent pool.

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“Play ball!” That’s exactly what three New York Mets starters did when they visited Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center on September 15, 2014. Pitcher Dillon Gee, second baseman Daniel Murphy and first baseman Lucas Duda played a friendly game of whiffleball against a team of Viscardi students who were cheered on by over 150 of their classmates and school mascot, Cubbie the Cougar.

Mets players have been coming and playing ball with the students for as long as many can remember. Gee and Murphy were repeat visitors, but for “rookie” Duda, playing in a wheelchair was a whole new ballgame. Duda noted, “Murph and Dillon didn’t really give me any pointers today.”

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To the HVS community: All faculty, staff and families,

EV-D68 is one of more than 100 types of enteroviruses that cause 10 to 15 million infections annually in the United States, though EV-D68 is less common than other types.  Between mid-August and September 12, 2014, there have been several cases of EV-D68 illness confirmed by the CDC.  The NYS Health Department has a few confirmed cases of enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) on Long Island.  The virus can cause severe respiratory illness in children and others.  Children with asthma seem to be especially susceptible.  The virus causes common cold symptoms, although it can cause severe respiratory illness, especially in children.  Other more common respiratory viruses are also currently circulating, which are normal present time this year, including influenza.  The symptoms of mild cases include: runny nose, sneezing, coughs, body aches, fever, rashes. and mouth blisters.  It is often difficult to tell the difference between the common cold and EV-D68, as the symptoms are so similar.  Parents should contact their family physician with concerns, if children have difficulty breathing or if symptoms become severe.

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 Join us every Tuesday during the month of October and learn to sign! This class is open to all Viscardi students, consumers, staff and alumni, as well as residents of the local community. The fee for this four week course is $40 per person.  Reserve your spot today by calling Denise Vargas at 516.465.1508.

• Registration deadline –  October 1
• Class dates – October 7, 14, 21, 28
• Classes will be held at The Viscardi Center in Admin 1

Come out and join the fun! The Viscardi Alumni will be hosting recreational hockey games in the Henry Viscardi School gym for all Viscardi alumni, students (age 18 and over), and staff. Family and friends are welcome. The participation fee is $10 per person. All participants must sign a liability waiver to play. There will be a concession stand for snacks, all under $1.00. Sign up today by calling 516.465.1508.

Join us for our first Viscardi Alumni Movie Night and the screening of Fast & Furious 6. Viscardi students, consumers, staff and alumni are invited. Friends and family welcome, too! Tickets are $5.00 each. The movie will be shown in the new Viscardi Multimedia Learning Center. There will be a concession stand for snacks, all under $1.00. Reserve your tickets today at 516.465.1508.

Viscardi Multimedia Learning Center Dedicated
Renovation made possible by generosity of local residents, John and Janet Kornreich

June 26, 2014 – The Viscardi Center dedicated its fully accessible Viscardi Multimedia Learning Center, made possible by the generosity of long-time supporters John and Janet Kornreich, at an afternoon reception today. The facility offers a wide range of new capabilities that will benefit the children and adults with disabilities served by the Center.

“John and Janet Kornreich saw the value of renovating the original learning center, which had become virtually obsolete, and how upgraded technology would enhance learning for the  students of Henry Viscardi School here at the Center and the adults we serve through our employment training and placement services,” shared John D. Kemp, President and CEO of The Viscardi Center. “The Viscardi Multimedia Learning Center opens a world of new experiences for them – from collaboration with other schools to video production in our studio, virtual tours and distance learning.”

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